Hey-hey! Hey, Where Did Jack Go?
Whither the Jack Brickhouse bust that sat between the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Tribune Tower? Not to fear, per Steve Johnson, Jack's out for repairs.
Merge
Category
Sports/Recreation
A New Kind of Cubby Pride
With the Cubs' change of ownership, they have become the first professional sports team with an openly gay owner.
ChicagoBreakingStuff.com
The Trib launched ChicagoBreakingSports.com on Sunday, pushing Tribune property sports content out throughout the day like they do on ChicagoBreakingNews.com. Which got me wondering: what other "breaking" domains do they own?
The House Jordan Built is Still Packed
The Chicago Bulls led the NBA in attendance for the past decade, yes, the decade after Michael Jordan left the team! The team averaged 20,891 fans per game. For more about the Bulls, check out Tailgate.
Meet The Ricketts
The new owner of the Cubs is profiled in both the Trib and Crain's today.
61st Street Garden Coverage Expanding
The imminent closure of the 61st Street Community Garden is getting a lot of attention from the media, with the Trib and Sun-Times augmenting weeks of coverage in the Hyde Park Herald and the Invisible Institute's Garden Conversations.
Changing Hands
Two venerable Chicago institutions officially have new owners: the Sun-Times and the Cubs.
Silver Chalice Ventures
The Chicago White Sox recently launched a new multimedia venture whose earnings will go to the team. The venture sets out to create "interactive digital" strategies for sports teams. Thus far SCV has made a digital network for the Bulls set to debut Thursday called "BullsTV."
Get Your Piece of Kiddieland
How do you put a price on a memory? Rides, equipment, signage and other bits of Kiddieland will be auctioned off by Norton Auctioneers on Nov. 24. Here are some photos of auction items.
Sports Reporting by Robots
Stats Monkey is a project at Northwestern's Intelligent Information Laboratory that might one day make sports reporting obsolete. Of course, that'd just mean more time for sportwriters to be columnists. [via]
Cubs Bankrupt (For a Day)
While in no actual financial discrepancy, the Tribune Co.'s Chicago Cubs have filed for Chapter 11 protection to speed up the sale to the Ricketts family, but this bankruptcy may only last a day. Interestingly enough, they're not the only Major League Baseball team to file Chapter 11.
New Chicago Marathon Course Record Set
Samuel Wanjiru broke the Chicago Marathon's 1999 record by one second.
Running the Chicago Marathon ... for the 32nd Time
Chicago resident Larry Moon is one of only nine people who have run in every Chicago marathon, and he'll be running again on Sunday.
Chicago Winter Olympics!
Pruned suggests that Chicago immediately bid for the 2018 Winter Games. [via] While I doubt Daley'll bite, we do already have a ski jump.
The "smartest new corporate hotel in ages"
If you're looking for a downtown getaway, the new boutique hotel The Wit got a not too shabby review in the NY Times.
Games On
Whether you're for Rio, Madrid, Tokyo, or Chicago, your Olympic fervor (and addiction to Twitter) could win you a trip to one of the finalist cities from travel social media app Where I've Been. Check Facebook for more details.
6 Rings, 2 Open Letters
Here's an open letter to Michelle Obama from Lou Carlozo to go with our own Bob Quellos' open letter to her husband regarding Chicago's Olympic bid.
Behind Chicagoans for Rio
The folks behind Chicagoans for Rio talk about why they created the site and other questions. [via]
One Last Presidential Endorsement
Barack Obama will be joining Michelle in Copenhagen this week after all, hoping to give another boost to Chicago's Olympic bid.
Last Ride on the Roto-Whip
This is Kiddieland's final weekend, and capacity crowds are expected. If you're going, plan to wait awhile.
Marathon of Footprints
Create a digital "footprint" with your inspiration for running the Chicago Marathon (or supporting someone who is) and Bank of America will donate $1 to a charity of your choice.
David Byrne Talks Chicago Biking
The Trib took some time to chat with David Byrne about his new book, Bicycle Diaries, and got him talking about his cycling experiences in Chicago.
The Other "O" Goes to Copenhagen
The president still isn't attending, but Oprah will be headed to Copenhagen to promote Chicago's bid for the Olympics. Meanwhile, Dave Zirin frets about what will happen if we win in The Nation.
Flying on Two Wheels
Get out your BMX: The Garden is a set of dirt jumps for bicycles set in Clark Park. It's hard to believe something this cool is just hiding in the woods near the river.
Wheels in Motion
It's been a busy week for the Windy City Rollers, who started it off by singing the 7th inning stretch at Wrigley with Drew Barrymore, and ended it by winning this weekend's WFTDA North Central Regional Tournament, easily skating past Madison 150-56.
Rio has a Nice Ring to It
Speaking of the Olympics, here's another site for the anti- crowd: Chicagoans for Rio. [via]
The Mighty Maroons
Did you know that Chicago's first college football team was at the University of Chicago? Led by Coach Amos Alonzo Stagg, the Maroons won all but two games from 1905 to 1909, and were Big Ten champions seven times. Discovered in the Library of Congress' stash of photos from the Chicago Daily News.
Where Will Walter Payton Stand?
Will his statue find rest outside of Solider Field, or will it be somewhere else?
MJ's 23
In honor of Michael Jordan's induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame tomorrow, ESPN has collected the 23 most memorable moments of his career. (Surprisingly, Space Jam is not included.) More in Tailgate.
Nice Tattoo. I Give It Four Stars
Random interesting tattoo photo shows a young lady's team and town loyalty.
Hero of the Day: Dwyane Wade
NBA star Dwyane Wade is donating money to help the public library in his home town of Robbins stay open.
They Say It Ain't So
The classic book Eight Men Out about the 1919 "Black Sox" may be much more fiction than fact, two Chicago lawyers argue in the latest issue of Chicago Lawyer.
Women in Cleats
The Chicago Bliss play their first game in the Lingerie Football League tonight against the Miami Caliente and Ditka's now involved -- but considering the field's 50 yards long and there's no kicking, will a serious fanbase develop? Meanwhile, there's a real women's football team that doesn't get enough attention.
We've Got Problems: IOC Releases Report
The Olympic Committee released a "technical analysis" [PDF] of the four cities vying for the 2016 Summer Olympics. They noted concerns with Chicago's proposed financing, housing and transportation for the event.
Don't Forget to Duck
Dodgeball ninjas are on the loose!
Steve Stone in Playgirl?!
The things you learn from someone's Wikipedia entry. Here's the semi-SFW (no full frontal) pictorial. Delicious innuendo: "Many ballplayers were dazzled by Steve's slick curve ball."
WTF of the Day
This story contains nothing of obvious Chicago interest -- unless you're a Cubs fan. Then the idea of a goat potentially being sacrificed in connection with the Viking Brett Favre might make a little more sense. [via]
Au Revoir
Looks like Chicago Fire defender Bakary Soumare will be bidding a not-so-fond adieu to the MLS and heading to France as the newest member of Boulogne. Soumare hasn't played or practiced with the Fire since an "incident" involving coach Denis Hamlett three weeks ago.
Nerds Like Sports, Too
Wish you knew more about football, but know how to learn? The Chicago Nerd Social Club is here to help. They're offering a Football 101 course, followed by a fantasy football league draft on Sept. 3.
$22.5 Billion for Chicago?
Daley's estimate of that the Olympics will provide $22.5 billion in direct and indirect economic benefits to the Chicago region is being greeted with signifiant skepticism.
Feel the P-p-power
The PPPWRS -- that's the Power Wheel Racing Series -- is nearing its next race. Keep your eye out for more details.
White Sox, Black Ops
"Scholar, Lawyer, Catcher, Spy," a fascinating 1992 profile of Moe Berg, a third-string catcher for the White Sox -- and a WWII spy. [via]
Tell 'Em You Were There
So you're a die hard White Sox fan who is still kicking themselves for missing Mark Buehrle's perfect game. Well, chin up, you can still tell your friends you were there. Sort of. (Via Deadspin)
The Rosemont Sky?
The Chicago Sky is packing up basketballs and moving out to the Allstate Arena.
6 Ring Circus TV
Apparently the US Olympic Committee was contemplating creating an Olympics TV channel. And it may have been hurting Chicago's 2016 bid. But fear not, they've scrapped the network.
Beer Thrower Identified, Turned Himself In
Two misdemeanors later, the Cubs beer perp is out of lock up, and the wrongly detained Dan DeLaPaz is free -- but no one from the Cubs organization has apologized to him.
APB for a J.E.R.K.
Hey, Guy Who Dumped A Beer On Philadelphia Philies Outfielder Shane Victorino In Last Night's Game (not this guy, who was tossed out the park for it): the Cubs, Victorino and the cops want to talk to you. UPDATE: The culprit turned himself in.
Hot Dog Ballin'
Sweet Chicago-themed custom Lebron James Nikes by Jeffrey Zimmerman. [via]
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Love em' or hate em' (and their fans), this site answers a question relevant to irate Wrigleyville dwellers, Cubs devotees, and many more.
Advertisements Creeping onto the Playing Field
The Bears' practice jerseys feature a prominently placed advertisement, and there's some question about where the ads will stop.
Blackhawks Kane Arrested in Buffalo
Blackhawks superstar Patrick Kane was arrested in Buffalo this morning for allegedly assaulting a cab driver and failing to pay the fare. Kane, 20, was in his hometown to announce funding to improve the local ice rink. Kane and a 21-year-old relative, who was also charged, are in holding.
Turning Clout into Clods of Dirt
School Board President and Chicago 2016 bid committee member Michael Scott (no, not also from "The Office") has been arranging to develop property near planned Olympic sites; here's a map. His development team also includes several politically connected West Side ministers. As the Beachwood Reporter says, "Michael Scott, you are today's winner of our new So Chicago Award."
Fantasy Footballing
Thinking about playing fantasy football this year? Check out Pyromaniacs, a new league by Chicago design firm Diet Strychnine. The player depictions and profile attitude might sway you from the standard ESPN leagues.
A Weekend Day Trip Option
The Fox River Trail in Batavia is a good destination for a day trip; be sure to check out the Fabyan Villa.
Sox Grab Peavy At Deadline
Coming in under the wire: The White Sox have traded for sought-after pitcher Jake Peavy from the San Diego Padres in a last-second deal made just before the end of the MLB trading deadline. More in Tailgate.
Pining for the Fireside Bowl
Hey, Chicago music/bowling fans! Just a few hours left to order a special shirt titled "Bring Back the Fireside" at RIPT Apparel. [via]
Some Help Massing Up
If you're heading to Critical Mass tonight but need an extra bike, at least one local bike store has an overnight Mass special.
Go West
Jerry Reinsdorf, who already owns the Bulls and White Sox, is a little bit closer to adding some puck-wielding Coyotes to his stable after the NHL's unanimous approval of his bid. Don't worry Hawks fans, he plans on keeping the team in Phoenix.
Boys vs. Girls
Shades of Billie Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs: The Schaumburg Flyers minor league baseball team will take on the Chicago Bandits of the National Pro Fastpitch softball league at their own game tonight in the latest sports battle of the sexes. More in Tailgate.
Talkin' Fancy Bikes
In other sports news, John Greenfield of Vote with Your Feet recently interviewed Stephen Schier, co-owner of Lincoln Park's Dutch Bike Co. Chicago, about the shop, why he opened a store in Chicago and the future of European cycles in the U.S.
A Perfect Game
White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle pitched a perfect game Thursday, with a little help from outfielder Dewayne Wise, who leaped up the center field wall to stop a home run. More details in Tailgate.
Basketball-headed Zombies
No idea this existed: Michael Jordan: Chaos in the Windy City, a 1994 game for the Super Nintendo. [via]
Drinkable Art
When you put 19,000 bottles of Gatorade next to each other on a basketball court, they look just like Michael Jordon.
Sox Fan in Chief
Chicago eyes will be on President Obama as he throws out the first pitch at tonight's All Star Game -- to see if he shows up repping his favorite team.
Ivy Green, Pinstripe Blue
Think you're the ultimate Cubs fan? Not until you paint your home with Valspar's limited edition paints.
2016 Olympic Proposed Sport: The Dodge
Lori Healey, president of the Chicago 2016 bid committee, performed some interesting acrobatics herself at a recent press conference, according to the Trib's David Greising. [via]
Derby on the Roll
Windy City Rollers' regular season may be over, but the All Stars travel team is just getting started. We've got the schedule in Tailgate.
The Day the Disco Died
The New York Times goes back 30 years to July 12, 1979, "Disco Demolition Night," at Comiskey Park.
Help Out the Home Team
The Chicago Force women's football team is headed to the playoffs -- but they need your help to get there. The team's travel budget is just about tapped, so they're asking for donations to help get the whole team to the conference championships in Kansas City July 11, and then hopefully the championship in Austin after that.
Easy Come, Easy Go
The Blackhawks pick up a top scorer from Detroit while the Bulls lose one...to Detroit. They say you can't tell the players without a scorecard but Tailgate is here to help with the arrival of Marian Hossa and the depature of Ben Gordon.
A New Way To Motivate The Cubs
A Cubs fan in Buffalo Grove will be going on a hunger strike until the Cubs get a five-game winning streak -- or until the season ends, whichever comes first.
Players' Least Favorites
Ouch. Lou Piniella and Ozzie Guillen are the least popular managers in Major League Baseball, according to a Sports Illustrated players poll. [via rasml through @GBtips -- see, it works!]
Even Capone Needed a Vacation
When Al Capone needed a break, he and his cronies headed up to Wisconsin ... and you can too.
The 2016 Blues
It's no surprise, but it still stings a little: if Chicago gets the games in 2016, we are on the hook for the whole tab.
The Webio Plot Thickens
Webio founder David Hernandez was reported missing by his wife one day after the feds announced an investigation into Webio and other companies.
Obama Backs the Bid
In what appears to be preparation for a successful Chicago 2016 bid, President Obama has announced the creation of the White House Office of Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Sport. The Office's stated goal is to "promote the values of the Olympic Movement" among young people in America (and maybe help to swing a few votes our way). [via]
Say It Ain't Sosa
In what may be the least-surprising disclosure possible to a lot of baseball fans, the New York Times reports that former Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa was one of the players who tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug during a league-wide testing in 2003. Oh, well, guess he has to put his Hall of Fame plans on hold indefinately.
Cubs, Sox High Five
Just in time for tonight's possibly over-hyped Cubs-White Sox crosstown showdown comes ESPN Chicago's list of the top five current players in the city. For those fans keeping track the final list includes three White Sox and two Cubs. If you disagree, vote for yourself.
Hopefully They're Not Corked
Longball Cellars has created wines named for Cubs and Sox stars Derrek Lee and Mark Buerhle, with proceeds benefiting the players' favorite charities. Keep in mind that CaberLee and Buerhlot might be more enjoyable to look at than to drink. (Oops, sorry for the Carlos Lee slip-up; you probably already guessed I'm a Sox fan. Thanks for the correction, Mark et al.)
Bouncing Webio
It's interesting times at ChicagoSportsWebio: founding on air personality Mike North was fired after questioning bounced checks, and the FBI is investigating a possible embezzlement case.
L.A.T.E. Ride
There are few things as enjoyable as riding a bike through the streets of Chicago during the late nights of summer. The L.A.T.E. Ride organizes a community of cyclists to do just that. It is Chicago's only midnight bike ride, and it takes place this year on Saturday/Sunday, July 11/12. Early bird registration has ended, but you can still save $5 if you register by June 30.
Maroon Monsters of the Midway
Did you miss the 1903 football matchup between The University of Chicago and the University of Michigan? Thomas Edison didn't. [via]
Ah-One, Ah-Two, Ah-Three...
Harry Caray's famous "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" singing didn't start at Wrigley Field, even if North Siders have made it their own. FuzzyMemories.TV digs up video of Harry leading the 7th Inning Stretch at a Sox game in 1980
Chicago's Still Got Game
Though times may be tough for local video game developer Midway Games, Chicago-based upstart Robomodo has been tapped to develop Ride, the latest entry in the highly successful Tony Hawk franchise. Tony showed off the game and its unique skateboard-shaped controller during the Xbox 360 press conference at E3 last week.
"Chicago doesn't deserve 2016 Olympics"
Sun-Times columnist Rick Telander has some choice words regarding the city's Olympic bid.
But Does He Have Grabowski?
The #1 Bears Fan has collected quite a few more tattoos since we last took a look.
Oi! Man U Gets A Chicago Connection
Iconic international football (soccer) franchise Manchester United has tabbed Chicago-based insurance company Aon as their new principal sponsor. Let's hope there's no curse associated with the honor, considering the fate that befell their old sponsor, a little company called AIG.
Those Bowling Shoes Look Good
The state legislature recently gave bowling alleys protection against the scourge of bowling alley lawsuits. If the legislation passes, you won't be able to sue a bowling alley if you slip and fall wearing their "specialized footwear" after wearing the shoes outside. Rats.
A Deal to Knock Your "Sox" Off?
There's a buzz going around that the struggling White Sox may be close to a deal with San Diego for pitching ace Jake Peavy. Can the Sox pull off what the Cubs couldn't? Could this deal buy beleagured GM Kenny Williams some more time with the fans? Stay tuned...
Atlantis Resurfaces in the Olympic Bid Book
A gem in an otherwise sort of boring collection of proposed facilities, the proposed aquatics complex in the Chicago 2016 bid book looks beautiful, and allays worries of some monstrosity floating off the coastline. [via]
Catching the Waves at Rainbow Beach
Wax up your board! The Park District is considering opening five beaches for surfing this summer.
Hawks Flying High
In case you were wondering what that big roar was last night, that was a city collectively cheering for the Blackhawks who downed the Vancouver Canucks to advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1995. The young guns were led by Patrick Kane's hat trick. Now... bring on the Red Wings (maybe). Get more Hawk talk in Tailgate.
The World is a Game
Chicag0 is the Chicago offshoot of SF0 (which originally started here, actually), a massive "collaborative production game" played online and off. They just completed a game last weekend; learn more and join before the next one's announced.
The Semi-Pro Wrestler
As we discovered in The Wrestler, pro wrestling isn't always glamorous. When you get down to the local level, it can be downright gritty. But the allure was still too great for Vito "Two Fingers" Fontaine, sausage purveyor and local wrestling star. [via]
Here Come The Hawks
The Blackhawks turn back the Calgary Flames with a 4-1 victory Monday night to win their first-round NHL playoff series. It's the first time the Hawks have advanced to the conference semifinals since 1996. They now face the Vancouver Canucks in Round 2. While the dates haven't been set yet, here's something to get you in the mood.
Bleacher Bones
Bohemian National Cemetery built a red brick replica of the wall at Wrigley's center field where deceased fans of the Cubs may be interred until Doomsday or the next time the team win the World Series. Whichever comes first. (Previously.)
On Guard
Looks like Celtics guard Tony Allen may have more to worry about than basketball while he's in town. Allen, who is originally from Chicago, is under tightened security after receiving death threats.
Fridge on Ice
Former Chicago Bear William "The Refrigerator" Perry is currently in South Carolina's Aiken Regional Medical Center, suffering from the effects of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The Fridge is expected to recover.
Rose Rises To The Top
Media outlets including the Chicago Tribune, and even the Bulls website itself, are reporting that Bulls' superstar-in-training Derrick Rose will be named NBA Rookie of the Year at a 2 p.m. news conference. This has been your "Duh" news for the day.
Playoffs: Icing On The Cake For Hawks
When the soaring Blackhawks hit the ice tonight in the third game of their best-of-seven playoff series against Calgary, it'll be one more boost to their ever-growing fan base. Crain's Chicago Business' Ed Sherman explains.
Wax Pack Memoirs
Cardboard Gods is a blog about baseball cards, in the same way Bull Durham is about baseball.
Script Bs and Flying Socks
Buried in this post about pro sports trademarks are obscure logos for the Bears and White Sox.
Noooooo Games
Whether you're in favor of the Olympics coming to Chicago or not, you have to admit that this is a pretty clever t-shirt.
Hook, Line and Bulletin Board
Wondering where the fish are biting? The hunters and fishermen on Chi-Town Angler know.
RIP Harry Kalas
Harry Kalas, Hall of Fame broadcaster of the Philadelphia Phillies, the voice of NFL films and Naperville native, died today after collapsing in the booth before a game. Anyone who has imagined them self in grainy slow motion catching a touchdown should take a moment.
Someone Has Too Much Time, Cruelty on Their Hands
Disappointing, disgusting and unfunny: a dead goat was found hanging on a statue of Harry Caray that sits outside Wrigley Field this morning.
It's Parkour Kids!
It seems not everyone is impressed with the Chicago parkour scene. [Thanks, Dubi!]
Survey Says:
The results of the Sun-Times' annual Sports Fan Survey are in, and optimism is (surprisingly?) high.
Olympic Bid Clears Another Hurdle
According to ESPN, Chicago is getting high marks from IOC officials following their visit to our fair city. The news is bound to make fans of the city's 2016 bid very happy. Others...not so much.
140 Characters from Home Plate
Watch today's Cubs-Brewers game in Twittertime.
And The World Cup Too?
Besides the 2016 Olympics, it's possible Chicago --Soldier Field to be precise-- could be the site of the World Cup.
Root, Root, Root For The Home Team...
...no matter where your affiliation lies. The City of Chicago helps kick off the start of the baseball season with a "Play Ball, Chicago" rally tomorrow from 10am to 3pm at Daley Plaza. Of course, fans of the White Sox and Cubs will be honored (and kept at a safe distance from each other), but also the Kane County Cougars, Windy City Thunderbolts, Joliet Jackhammers, Schaumburg Flyers and Gary SouthShore RailCats.
MJ:HOF
Michael Jordan was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame today. Here's a slideshow of His Airness through the years. Share your thoughts in Tailgate.
Opening D(el)ay
The non-baseball-like weather has forced the postponement of the White Sox season opener vs. Kansas City at U.S. Cellular Field. The Cubs, meanwhile, are still a go for their season opener tonight in Houston. Ah, the benefits of a retractable roof stadium.
Which Neighborhoods are Worthy?
Speaking of the IOC's visit, WBEZ reports the Chicago map handed out to visiting dignitaries was far from complete.
Following the IOC Evaluation Group
The Trib is keeping tabs on the progress of the IOC tour of the city, while its readers are having a lively discussion about the merits of the whole shebang.
A Truly Integrated Golf Course
The AP throws the South Side a little love with this feature on the 18 hole Jackson Park Golf Course, which was built in 1899 and is the oldest public golf course west of the Alleghenies.
Bears Get Cutler
Ironically, a day after April Fool's Day comes a story that seems too hard to believe: The Sun-Times is reporting that the Bears have landed Jay Cutler, the highly-sought after disgruntled (former) Denver quarterback. They reportedy had to surrender a slew of draft picks and QB Kyle Orton, but hey... It's Jay Cutler!
Ramping Up
Grab your board! The Logan Square Skate Park is officially open.
Olympic Opposition
With the IOC's upcoming visit approaching, resistance to the Olympic bid is making national news.
Say "Goodbye" to Basketball
Yesterday IIT announced it is canceling its men's and women's basketball teams to free up resources for other activities.
One Heck of a Way to Lose
The North Lawndale basketball coach isn't blaming the technical foul for their 65-66 loss, but the team probably wasn't psyched it got the foul for its uniforms.
Cubs Still the Trib's for Now
It looks like the Tribune Company won't be selling the Cubs until after opening day. MLB insiders say the sale probably won't actually happen until mid-May at the earliest.
Our President is Cooler Than Your President
"The President released his 2009 NCAA College Basketball Tournament bracket today." He posted it on his blog. And if that's not cool enough for you, he will be a guest on "The Tonight Show" tomorrow.
Small On Size, Big On Soccer
Tailgate's Steve Gillies continues his excellent series on the city's best soccer-watching bars to get your footy on. Today: The Small Bar.
Putting the Fantasy Back in Football
After years of competing with aging rockers and puppies during the Super Bowl halftime show, the Lingerie Football League will finally kick off their inaugural season this fall. Tickets to see the Chicago Bliss in one of their two home games go on sale this Monday.
It's His Wee Beady Eyes
Can a slightly soggy statue of Colonel Sanders help break the Cubs' curse? The Hanshin Tigers seem to think so.
Could The Fridge Fit in the Lincoln Bedroom?
Obama's love of Chicago sports reared its head again recently, as The Daily Show's John Stewart pointed out on last night's show (it comes at about the 2:00 mark). Let's just say the Bulls get a little spanking from Stewart and even the '85 Bears come under scrutiny.
Calling All Sports Fans
The Sun-Times wants you to voice your opinions (and/or vent your frustrations) on the state of Chicago athletics for their second annual Sports Fan Survey.
Say It Ain't So, Joe
Former Sox thirdbaseman Joe Crede? On the Twins? THOSE Twins? C'mon, Joe, ANYBODY but the Twins. More in Tailgate.
Raising the Net
Today's Layer Tennis match doesn't start till 2pm, but the first-ever qualifying match got underway at noon, and it's between two locals: Fuzzy Gerdes and Mig Reyes.
Wrestlemania
The Tribune featured portraits of local pro wrestlers yesterday. Want to catch them in action? Check out ChicagoProWrestling.com.
There in Spirit
If you or someone you know can't make it to the auto show, or if you're like me and just want to check out how crowded it is before you head down to McCormick Place, the show's website has virtual tours, photos and a live webcam.
"Creativity in short supply"
We know what some of you think about the Olympic bid, but most public critiques haven't spent much time on the architecture. Blair Kamin starts the discussion with a serious critique.
Olympic Bid Leaves Out the CTA
Jon Hilkevitch reports that Chicago's Olympic bid book doesn't include an overhaul of the CTA -- only shuttle service between train stops. You can review the whole bid book by downloading it here. Let us know what you think of the Olympic bid in Fuel.
Pax Packing His Bags?
Has Bulls GM John Paxson had enough? Maybe it's the team's 23-30 record. Maybe it was the booing he received at the team's recent tribute to Johnny "Red" Kerr. Either way, Pax is reportedly stepping down as the team's general manager.
Not Just Any Old Pinups
What happens when you get a dozen fabulous female cyclists together in Chicago, introduce some introspection and give one of them a camera? The Thought You Knew Us Pinup Calendar, of course. Twelve Chicago cyclists, ranging from road warriors to bike messengers to everyday saddle lovers got together to explore public perception of women cyclists and to raise money for the Chicago Women's Health Center which keeps many of them on the road. Learn more, including where you can get your own here.
Ramirez to Joel to John
Elton John and Billy Joel will be playing Wrigley Field this summer, with ticket prices ranging from $55 to $175. Maybe they'll make a stop at Piano Man, too.
Cub World Cam
This will probably be more interesting in a few months, but hey, I like seeing what's going on outside Wrigley anyway. [Thanks, Gabe!]
Get Your Carts Ready
The 2009 Chiditerod grocery cart race is now accepting team applications. Race is March 7.
Sox Catching a Bounce from Obama
The White Sox are selling a whole lot of hats thanks to the Fan in Chief.
"Eastbound & Down" Screening and Contest
As if one contest wasn't enough, we also have 10 VIP tickets to give away to a screening of HBO's new series "Eastbound & Down" tomorrow night. Details in Tailgate.
Another Step Towards Olympia
The Olympic bid moves further along with all of the Olympic federations signing off on the city's venues.
Obama Invited To Throw First Pitch
The White Sox have invited President Obama to throw the first pitch of their season. Seeing as they're going up against the Royals it's bound to be a good start to a good game...at least to us Southsiders.
Birds or Balls?
If the Olympics come to town, the new tennis complex will be sited just north of the Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Lincoln Park. Guess who might be concerned about such placement?
Gone But Still in Need of Negative Attention
Former S-T sports columnist Jay Mariotti says Roger Ebert "can kiss my ass." Even more amusing (and delusional): Mariotti goes on to say "AOL is positioned for a boom era when the economy cooperates."
And The Winner Is...
The Ricketts family, led by local financier Tom Ricketts, have apparently placed the winning bid for ownership of the Cubs and Wrigley Field. A front-runner from the start, it looks like most hardcore fans will approve of the choice.
Let the Fans Sing
There's a movement afoot to get Cubs management to let one regular, non-celebrity fan sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh inning stretch once a season. (Is that too much to ask?) Sign the petition here.
Flying Through the Air
The Reader profiles Michael "Frosti" Zernow, one of Chicago's parkour stars.
Discounting the Drive
Bike the Drive will be May 24 this year -- and registration opened today. Register before Jan. 25 and they'll knock $7 off the fee.
Next, They Go After The Parker Bros.
The Cubs are close to a deal with Milton Bradley. No, not this one. This one. Although the latter has been known to be "trouble." Get it, Trouble?
Return of Mariotti
Ex-Sun-Times sports columnist Jay Mariotti makes his debut on AOL Sports Monday. The S-T's Kyle Koster shares some thoughts here.
Get Started On That Resolution
If "get in shape" was on your list, the Chicago Park District can help: for two weeks starting today, all Park District fitness centers are free. [via]
An Instant Classic
If you couldn't make it there's a detailed review and some videos of the Winter Classic over at the Beachwood Reporter.
Bear Downer
Even with their Playoff Express cleared for landing (thanks to losses by Dallas and Tampa Bay), the Bears still managed to crash and burn. Their loss to Houston knocked them out of the playoff picture and now the autopsies begin. But despite the disappointment, the Bleacher Report says we shouldn't have been surprised.
Cold Construction
Watch the ice rink in Wrigley Field being built in real time. Not exactly riveting action, but interesting viewing nonetheless.
"Living the Dream"
There are Luvabulls, Incredibulls and even Swingin Seniors, but none of them have anything on the Matadors.
What's The Rush?
They were one of the better teams in the Arena Football League (most recently winning the 2008 Central Division), but now the Chicago Rush will be sitting on the sidelines with the rest of the AFL after the league shut down operations for the 2009 season. This leaves Chicago with only one indoor football team, the Chicago Slaughter, coached by one Steve "Mongo" McMichael, which should thrill '85 Bears fans.
The Coolest Temporary Ice Rink
On January 4, Wrigleyville denizens will have the opportunity to skate on the ice rink that will be constructed in Wrigley Field for the Winter Classic hockey game. The Cubs announced the event via e-mail to neighbors and neighborhood groups. A $10 ticket will get you one hour of ice time, but you have to bring your own skates. Update: Here's the link to the ticket information. Tickets go on sale at 10AM, Monday the 15th.
Crazy Flipper Fingers
Yes, in the age of Wii and Golden Tee, people still play pinball. In fact there's a "tournament of champions" going on in Schaumburg this weekend. You can still enter so you may want to start loosening up those fingers.
Bears Win By A Foot
Yes, the Bears won last night with a 27-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints. But they did so with another of their now-patented see-saw battles, bursting out of the gate and then struggling to win. Thank God for Robbie Gould, but can we have one sure-thing, blowout victory please?
Cubs Forsake Jake
All that back and forth stuff about the Cubs obtaining pitching ace Jake Peavy? Forget about it. The Cubs have said thanks but no thanks.
Surf Second City
Surfboards are banned from Chicago's beaches -- but maybe not for long.
For the High Minded Fan
Sport Literate is a "literary journal focusing on 'honest reflections on life's leisurely diversions.'"
Teaching Jocks at U of I
The U of I is generating controversy with the Irwin Center, a $6 million athletes-only tutoring center.
Urlacher's Dirty Diapers
Brian Urlacher's son's mother says the football star paints his son's toenails blue and dresses him in pink diapers. Apparently, she sees this as cause for keeping the boy away from his father.
Everybody's President?
A friend and fellow Cubs fan joked to me the other day he was re-thinking his vote because he's tired of seeing Obama in Sox gear on the national news. Yesterday, the President-Elect's press team miffed at least one reporter by nonchalantly invoking the rivalry.
Everyone Has a Passion
For one man, that passion is White Sox baseball cards.
Manager of the (Near) Year
Small consolation, we're sure, but Cubs manager Lou Pinella has been named NL Manager of the Year. Before some of you start wondering how (given the team's stupendous collapse in the playoffs), the awards are voted on before the post-season starts.
Will We See More of Chief Illiniwek?
In an unusual turn of events, a student group is sponsoring an updated Chief Illiniwek dance at the U of I. One of the reasons, apparently, is that it inspired at least one student "to be a complete man."
Roll of the 20-Sided Die
Chicagoland gamers, welcome to the Dice Doho.
Training Elementary Students for Medieval Battle
That's right, Pershing West Magnet School offers elementary school students archery classes [right side of page].
"A Tattoo You Can Believe In"
Washington Wizard Gilbert Arenas has some new ink: "'Change We Believe In' tattooed onto the fingers of his left hand in cursive writing," as well as 44 (Obama will be the 44th POTUS) on the outside of his pinky.
Say Hey
Sam Zell is sticking firm to his $1 billion asking price for the Cubs, even in the souring economy. But apparently Mark Cuban is out despite his $1.3 billion offer.
Close But No Cigar, Cuban
Cubs fans dreaming of having fan-friendly sports owner Mark Cuban running things on Clark and Addison got their bubble burst by MLB commissioner Bud Selig, who reportedly has nixed a sale to Cuban.
A Whole Other Ticket Raffle
No, not for Grant Park tonight, for the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field, Jan. 1, 2009. A free drawing for a chance to purchase tickets will be offered online at the Chicago Blackhawks' site. Register there starting 11am Wednesday, Nov. 5th until 11pm Nov. 28th.
Get Back in Shape
Chicago-based Holos Fitness figures it's easier to stick to a workout plan if you've got company, so it aims to serve as a social network centered around fitness.
Feel Good About Chicago Baseball
Tune in to WYCC at 6:30pm on November 9th for the premiere of Buck O'Neil and Black Baseball in Chicago. O'Neil was a Negro League player and coach and subsequently spent more than 30 years with the Cubs becoming the first black coach in the majors. More info at the Chicago Baseball Museum website.
Promote Chicago 2016, Win
Chicago 2016 is running a video contest starting today. Submit a video by Nov. 25 telling the world why Chicago should host the Games in 2016. Five finalists will be chosen by online vote and will be featured on NBC 5's "Chicago Today" show starting Dec. 1. The winner of the contest will receive fabulous prizes.
A Savvy Move By The Blackhawks?
Just four games into the season, the Blackhawks have canned coach Denis Savard, ironically after the team notched it's first win of the year. Jeremy Piniak has the details over in Tailgate.
These are the Runners in Our Neighborhoods
Runners in this year's Chicago Marathon were grateful for the added spirit (and plentiful water) offered by neighborhood spectators and volunteers. Lion dancers greeted runners in Chinatown, while Little Italy had cheerleaders and Pilsen's West 18th street had speakers playing Latin music.
William Murray: One Bitter Cubs Fan
Courting the National League vote on SNL's Thursday Night special.
It's Better to Be a Loser
The sports editor of The Vicksburg (MS) Post believes the Cubs' image will change for the worse if they ever win the World Series again, so Cubs fans should really "be careful what you wish for" when it comes to their team trying to shed that "loveable loser" moniker. If Cubs fans really cared what other people thought, I'm guessing there probably wouldn't be many Cubs fans out there.
Help Them Win Next Year
The best way to relieve the Cubs of their playoff "curse"? Stop caring so much.
Bartman Bounty Grows
First, a sports collectible convention offered him $25,000 to make an appearance. Now a fantasy sports website has upped the ante to $100,000 for Steve Bartman to show up at a Cubs game. Hold out for a cool million, Steve-o, then buy the entire leftfield box seat section for yourself.
Fukudome To You Too, Pal
As if the Cubs didn't have enough problems, one of their player's name is being mistaken for a swear word. Good thing this guy isn't still their pitching coach.
Darn Those Cubs!
The Cubs dropped to 0-2 against the Dodgers. Uh-oh.
Darn Those Sox!
The South Siders fall 6-4 to the Devil Rays in Florida in Game 1 of their American League playoff series. Javier Vazquez was....well, let's just say he was there.
Mayor Places Sausage, Nuts on the Line
Showing faith in a White Sox win, the mayor has bet three Florida mayors that the White Sox will beat the Tampa Bay Rays. Apparently seeking intestinal vengeance, should he lose, Daley has wagered Vitner potato chips, Lemonheads from Ferrara Pan Candy, a "Pepsi for a Year" certificate, assorted peanuts, sunflower seeds, and trail mix from Fisher Nuts, and 100 Vienna Beef Polish sausages. Why, the headline just wrote itself, didn't it?
Take Me Out To The Ballgame...No, Me!
So the Cubs lost yesterday. Doesn't mean that tickets for their game tonight are in any less demand. In fact, a brother and sister are headed to court over who gets the valuable pieces of cardboard.
History Made
For the first time in more than a hundred years, the White Sox and Cubs are in the playoffs together, after the Sox beat the Twins 1-0 in a division tie-breaker tonight.
His Swan Song
It's been called "Wrigley Field North" for the way that Cubs fans take over Miller Park when their team plays there. That sort of exhuberance cost one man his job. But then he works for the Brewers so you can see where that might be a problem.
Drooping Sox
Needing one win in Minneapolis to maintain a hold on first place in the AL Central, the White Sox came up short, losing to the Twins 7-6 in 10-innings Thursday night and getting swept in three games. The loss dropped them out of first place. More in Tailgate.
Cheaters Never Win
Is Alphonso Soriano having an affair? The Cubs star has been seen quite a bit with a woman other than Mrs. Soriano. [via]
When Cubs Fans Attack
Maybe the 7th inning booze ban isn't such a bad idea, in light of the death of a Cubs fan at the hands of other Cubs fans. This isn't the first serious brawl this season, either.
7th Inning Dry Stretch
The City is asking Wrigleyville bars to stop serving after the 7th inning during Cubs playoff games to avoid mayhem in the streets. Share your opinion in Tailgate.
Girls Got Game
In Tailgate, our sports section, Ken Green interviews one of the producers of Girl/Gamer, a documentary examining the culture of women in video- and role-playing games.
Game of the Century?
In case you haven't heard, the Cubs are on the verge of moving a step closer to removing that 100-year-old World Series albatross from around their necks. With a win today (and a Milwaukee loss), they clinch a spot in the playoffs. But manager Lou Pinella says hold off on the champagne.
Don't Stop Believin'
Eddie Vedder, lifelong Cubs fan, sings "Someday We'll Go All the Way." Download it here. (Thanks, Chris!)
Mariotti Not Switching Teams
Ex-Sun-Times sports columnist Jay Mariotti will not be joining the Tribune staff as rumors had reported -- thus avoiding having to share a room with some of the very people he villainized in the past. Mariotti commented on the situation to the Reader's Michael Miner.
Out Of Bounds
A local high school football coach lost his job this week. No, not for producing a winless season. For robbing a bank. How many yards do you get penalized for that?
Ike Spikes Cubs
As if their recent up-and-down play weren't enough frustration for their fans, now comes word that Hurricane Ike has put the kibosh on the first two games of the Cubs-Astros series in Houston, which was to begin tomorrow. No word on Sunday's contest.
Root Root Root for the Cubbies
ESPN presents "No Love Lost," video interviews with Cubs fans aged 7 to 100 -- including Ronni Woo Woo and Billy Corgan.
No Metal Baseball Bats for Minors?
Alderman Fioretti is taking on the "metal bat cartel" by proposing a ban on the use of metal bats by those under 18. He says, "It's not a question of foie gras. That's what choice is. This is an issue of actual injury." Hm.
Chi-lympic Haters Have a Mascot
Phelps may be for Chicago's Olympic bid, but some are not so hot on the prospect.
Score One for the Home Team
Sports blog East Coast Bias took a trip to Wrigley Field this past weekend and (surprise!) they kinda liked it.
Barry Bonds Signs to Chicago Tee-Ball Team?
Sad what passes for funny these days. Leave it to the Onion.
Michael Phelps Wins the Gold Medal for Media Overexposure
Just to remind you, our favorite ravenous Olympian will be in town today to appear at Oprah's season opener and to also appear at a webcast discussion at 5:15pm about bringing the games to Chicago in 2016.
150 Olympians, Oprah and You
We've all missed out on getting seat tickets for Oprah's 10am Wednesday taping in Millennium Park, but show up at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion that morning and get a shot at lawn seats.
Supporting Chicago is a "Privilege"
At present, there are no public appearances scheduled, but Michael Phelps will be in town on Wednesday to boost the city's bid for the 2016 Olympics. If you're a fan, perhaps staking out your local pool will help you catch a glimpse.
Mariotti: Out of Print
Reviled Sun-Times sportswriter Jay Mariotti quit yesterday, apparently in a spat over not getting to write this column about Obama dissing the Cubs. Read Ken Green's thoughts on it (and add your own two cents) in Tailgate.
Pork My Ride
Even if you're a newer scooter rider (scooterer?), you should make your way to Slaughterhouse XIV this weekend. It's one of the country's biggest scooter rallies, and for $5 you get access to all sorts of events and rides, starting Thursday at Delilah's. Mount up!
The End of An Error?
Love him or hate him (and from the looks of readers' responses most thought it was a mistake to print his columns in the first place), you won't have Jay Mariotti to kick around anymore, at least in print. He walked away from his Sun-Times gig yesterday. Might inter-office skirmishes be the reason?
Let's See That One Again (and Again)
The last holdout against the practice of official review of plays (namely disputed home run calls) via instant replay, Major League Baseball will begin using the practice as of Thursday.
Biking the Boulevards
Want to get in one last big bike ride this summer? Thanks to the Chicago Bike Federation, if you sign up for the Boulevard Lakefront Tour by August 27, you'll get $5 off for being a Gapers Block reader.
100 Years of Bad
Just One Bad Century is celebrating the centennial of the Cubs' last World Series win by comparing players from the 1908 team with today's boys in blue, position by position.
Racing on Lake Shore
Ron from Big Happy Funhouse tipped us to this site dedicated to Robert Lester and Team Wink, amateur racer and one of several members of The Outer Drive Hero Drivers Club, which runs clue-based car rallies in Chicagoland even today.
Want Some Attention?
Make a video about why Chicago should host the Olympics and post it on the new (beta) Olympic video site.
Let's See How He Does Against the Cards
The Cubs' Ryan Dempster isn't just an ace pitcher -- he's also an amateur magician. (And a so-so Harry Caray impersonator.)
Olympiana
If you aren't getting enough of the Olympics in your daily media diet, you might be interested in the Chicago 2016 bid committee's blog from China. By the way, the president of Atlanta's Olympic committee says the Games would be good for Chicago -- you know, like they were for his town.
Do You Have the Right Stuff?
If you want to know, 25 Navy SEALs will be testing fitness at UIC on September 6. If you're up for the challenge, register now.
Regional Olympic Support and Struggles
In an Olympic angle amazingly un(der)covered by the media, the Trib takes a look at suburban support -- and lack thereof -- for the Olympics.
Weekend Air Show ... on Thursday
If you want to catch the Chicago Air and Water Show early, head down to Gary for the practice show today.
Dingys in the Deep
It may not have coral reefs, but apparently Lake Michigan offers scuba divers something very unique. Being a large cold body of fresh water makes it ideal to preserve shipwrecks.
Addressing Lacism
Stir-Friday Night, Chicago's longstanding Asian-American improv troupe, debuted Horry Kow, That's Lacist! last Friday at Donny's Skybox Theatre in Pipers Alley, if you couldn't guess from the title, it touches on the infamous Fukudome shirts and other subtle and not-so-subtle forms of racism.
Parkways as Parks
The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation is launching a new program called Sunday Parkways, which will give riders and pedestrians in Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Garfield Park, North Lawndale and Little Village the opportunity to bike through their neighborhoods on streets without cars.
The Party's Over
No more tailgate? No, not this one, we mean the extended partying that goes on at the Soldier Field parking lot during Bears games. Beginning tomorrow night, the Bears say once the game starts, you'll have to put the booze and the brats away. Needless to say, fans are a bit miffed.
Lassoing the Great Lakes
The Weiszes just got back from a 17 day loop of the Great Lakes, which they conscientiously documented with restaurant reviews, photographs and tales from the road. If you'd like more reading about looping the Great Lakes, you may want to check out Ted McClelland's The Third Coast, which was excerpted in Detour.
Eight Oh-eight Oh-eight
With the news of border raids, censorship and pollution dominating the Olympic experience so far, the competing athlete's stories are a little lost in the noise. Chicago has more than a few locals carrying the torch. They include a diver from the family that owns Cubby Bear and the only Mexican national team wrestler with a Polish name. The SunTimes has a round-up.
WCR To Rock Fox
Chicago's favorite women on wheels, the Windy City Rollers, will be giving you a wake-up call when they appear on Fox News Good Day Chicago (Ch. 32) tomorrow at 8:10 and 8:30 a.m. They'll be skating around the newsroom promoting their upcoming match as well as "some other exciting news" according to their release. If you miss it, you can check it out on the Fox-32 website.
Tequila In Good Spirits
Good news from the world of local roller derby: Tequila Mockingbird (aka Tahira Johnson) has taken her first steps since being paralyzed from the neck down on Aug. 25, 2007 while skating for The Fury of the Windy City Rollers roller derby league. The progress is a testiment to Tequila's determination as well as the tireless fund-raising efforts of her fellow skaters. Read more about it here.
Bike Socially
The Chain Link is a new social network for the city's bicyclists.
A Minor-League Fight
The Cubs' minor league feeder, the Peoria Chiefs, got in a big brawl yesterday; details (including video) in Tailgate.
Flying Smurfs, Pizza, Mustache
The Flugtag organizers have posted sketches of this year's flying hopefuls. If you want to know more about the last event, they've got history there too.
Watch Them Go All the Way
The undefeated Chicago Force women's football team play the Dallas Diamonds in the IWFL National Championship Saturday night, right here in Chicago. Tickets are just $15, available in advance until midnight tonight.
Baseball and the Olympics
Chicago's 2016 Olympics boosters are hoping an Major League Baseball official's statements don't jinx their chances.
The 'Sweet' Life
There's a book signing next week for "Sweet Swinging" Billy Williams, a Cub legend. Read about it here.
Not One, But Two
Speaking of domes, plans to create a multi-million dollar fitness center are making progress [lower right side] on the South Side.
We Bet He'll 'Say Anything'
Evanston native and actor John Cusak swears he bleeds Cubbie blue...but he's learned to be flexible about liking the White Sox, especially after 2005. But we'll cut him some slack on being a "switch-hitter", especially since he has a connection to the Sox, cinematically speaking.
Rose Returns to Chicago
The Chicago Bulls have selected Chicagoan Derrick Rose (who played collegiately at Memphis) as the #1 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Get Outta Town
Time Out has a few beach-bound road trip suggestions for you this weekend. On the other hand, you might prefer camping along the area's rail trails.
Marathoners' Last Chance
Individual sign-ups for the Chicago Marathon are closed, but you can still get in by joining a group running for a charity, such as Best Buddies Illinois or Rock for Reading.
The First Volley in Lakefront Ad Wars?
It seems Nike put some illegal ads on the lakefront path on Friday.
State Drops the Ball on Wrigley
The State's bid to buy Wrigley Field from the Tribune failed to make it out of the infield in a clash over how to finance the deal. Does this open the door for Mark Cuban to buy the team and stadium lock, stock and barrel?
No Olympics Yet, But Big Deals Underway
After months of discussion, Michael Reese Hospital will likely close this fall, clearing the way for massive Olympic redevelopment plans.
International Oddsmakers vs the IOC
By now, we know Chicago is on the short list to host the Olympics, but the NYTimes goes one step further by comparing oddsmakers' ratings to those of the IOC.
Exactly What It Sounds Like.
Finally, a blog for Chicago Pub Quiz Addicts.
Chicago in Olympics Final Four
We made it into the final group of four cities vying to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. Alongside Chicago are Rio de Janeiro, Madrid and Tokyo.
Midwest Wine Country
Looking for a unique activity for an upcoming summer weekend? How 'bout a tour of Michigan wineries?
Closing In On 2016
Chicago gets one step closer to hosting the 2016 Olympics tomorrow, as the International Olympic Committee narrows the list of potential cities from 7 to around 4. The short list, expected to include Chicago, will be announced tomorrow in a big ceremony in Athens, Greece and the winning city will be announced in October 2009. Yes, another 16 months of waiting....
Shoot from the Hip
Chicago Assassins watergun assassin club starts its summer tournament next week. Have what it takes? Read the rules and sign up here.
Struck Out
Geremi Gonzalez, who was a Cubs rookie in 1997 (but who most recently played for the Yomiuri Giants), died on Sunday at the age of 33 after being struck by lightning on a beach in Venezuela.
1:32 Scale Vroom Vroom
It seems that basement slot-car racing has quite a following in Chicago and elsewhere, according to this recent Wall Street Journal article.
Time to Start Believing?
The Sox made it eight wins in a row last night. More thoughts on this great run -- and whether it's safe to get on the bandwagon yet -- in Tailgate.
Ouch.
Flickr user BlueFairlane demonstrates why it's important to wear a helmet when cycling ... and why cars drivers need to watch what they're doing.
Around the Field
Out of the Ballpark, which we've mentioned before, has expanded to cover not just Wrigley but also The Cell -- and the areas around stadiums in some other cities as well.
Maybe that 2am Stroll Wasn't a Great Idea
Rashard Mendenhall, current Pittsburgh Steelers player and former Illini star was robbed at gunpoint along the lake late last night.
The Dancers Call Him "Stats"
The Boston Celtics' statistical "secret weapon" (and U of C grad) Mike Zarren gets the Freakonomics treatment in the New York Times magazine.
Let's Play Two
A look at the rare Chicago vs. New York City baseball "double-header" we had in town yesterday, from a New York Times perspective.
Sue-a-Bull
Don Kalant, an oral surgeon from Naperville, is suing the Chicago Bulls for injuries he suffered at the hands of the team's mascot at a February game. During a spirited high-five with Kalant, Benny the Bull reportedly tripped and hyperextended Kalant's arm, rupturing his biceps muscle.
Another Bicyclist Death
In another tragic car-bicycle accident, 22 year-old Tyler Fabeck was struck and killed early Sunday morning.
Not Even Close
According to the U.S. Olympic Committee chief Peter Ueberroth (and he should know, right?), Chicago is "not anywhere near first" when it comes to the bidding for the 2016 Olympics. Think about it: it's possible we're pulling up the rear with Baku, Azerbaijan (whose name, ironically, means "windy city").
April Is The Cruelest Month
Would any other fan write poetry about their losing baseball team? I doubt the White Sox have inspired verse, but the Cubs apparently have.
Chinese Protests Go National
While the Olympic torch was in San Francisco yesterday, the Tibetan community in Chicago was active with a protest of their own.
The Slippery Slope
Not that anyone wants to think about winter after this glorious weekend, but the Swallow Cliff toboggan slides (also known as "Terror Hill") in Palos Township are in danger of demolition. The mayor of Palos Park and other concerned south suburban citizens want to preserve the slides. Those with happy childhood memories of sliding down the slope at 65 mph under the constant threat of contusions, concussion, and broken bones are invited to contact the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and protest.
So Ends That, Right?
Almost five years later, Moises Alou comes clean. He couldn't have caught the ball anyway.
'Big Ben' To Toll For UK?
Bulls' star Ben Gordon, along with teammate Luol Deng, have been tapped by the Brits to play for their national team in the Eurobasket qualifying tournament, a springboard to 2012 Olympic Games. Why Gordon and Deng? Well, Deng moved to London to escape conflict in his native Sudan while Gordon was born in London but moved to the U.S. shortly afterwards.
New Sections, New Staff
If you've been exploring the new design, you may have spotted a new blog: Tailgate, our freshly minted sports blog. We're looking for writers, so if you're into sports (or know someone who is), get in touch. Conversely, if you're into arts & culture, we're looking for a few bright folks for A/C, too.
Are the Friendly Confines Getting Feisty?
The NYTimes turns its attention to the hundred year itch on the North Side.
Chicago Hope(s)
Baseball season kicked off today (yes, today...in Japan no less) so it might be a good time to take a look at what one sports website thinks of the prospects of the White Sox and Cubs this season.
100 Reasons
Why this will be the year for the Cubs.
The Sagacious Don Guillote
Despite the snow on the ground, Baseball's Opening Day (the great ritual of spring) is only ten days away! Southsiders can get in the mood by catching up with Carl Skanberg's "Palehose8: An Illustrated History of Sagacious Don Guillote."
I'm #1, For a Price
If you're planning to ride in the May 25 Bike the Drive event, a few Ebay bids began today to buy Bibs #1 and #2 and to select your own unique bib number; the proceeds benefit the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. The auctions end March 28.
Upwards and Onwards!
In what is clearly the most important sporting contest of the year, Chicagoan Jesse Lucas Berg won Seattle's Big Climb.
And Then There Were Two
The Bears won't have Brian Griese to kick around anymore. He's off to Tampa Bay, where at least he'll be warmer. That leaves Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton to duke it out for QB supremacy.
Embedded in Chiditarod
That massive 360° coverage campaign the Methods Reporter planned for last weekend's Chiditarod really paid off.
Industrial-Strength Anthem for Hawks
Who knew? Industrial music godfather Al Jourgensen (Ministry) is a big Blackhawks fan. So big that he has written a new anthem for the team, "Keys To The City", that will debut on March 5. Jourgensen said he hopes the song "inspires some awesome fights on the ice."
Cover the Chiditarod
If you're planning to watch the Chiditarod this weekend, The Methods Reporter would like to make you a correspondent.
The Perfect Dog-Gone Gift
What do you get your dog-owner friend who has everything, including a tendency to get lost? This tote bag for carrying dog toys, dog treats, and doggie bags to the dog park.
Big Three-Way Trade for the Bulls
Ben Wallace and Joe Smith are gone-- off to Cleveland. Adrian Griffin to Seattle. Cleveland sends Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden, Cedric Simmons and Shannon Brown to the Bulls. Wally Szczerbiak goes from Seattle to Cleveland.
Not Leaving Chicago When You Leave Chicago
The Trib has the scoop on hanging out with the Cubs and White Sox in Arizona.
Ivy Licensing
Noted in this interview with EveryBlock founder Adrian Holovaty, Chicago has a business license designation of "Wrigley Field," which applies to the rooftop decks on Waveland and Sheffield.
Pitchers and Catchers Report... They've Been Robbed!
Bases aren't the only thing being stolen as spring training begins. Three Cubs players were among the victims of a Mesa, Arizona burgler.
Frank Lloyd Wright, Merchandise Mart and Tokyo's Imperial Hotel
What do they have in common? Lincoln Logs! Check out bullet #3 in this Mental Floss article to find out the connections.
A Decade Without Stars
As if this season's 18-27 record isn't bad enough, the Chicago Bulls haven't had an All-Star performer in 10 years!
This Year's Marathon™
Registration for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon™ (yep, that's the new name) opens tomorrow. Runners, on your mark.
Vote Cubs
Got a favorite Cubs blog or site? Vote for it in Cubscast's first annual Strodes Awards.
Windy City Rollers 2008 Season Opener
You haven't seen a roller derby bout yet? Let's amend that ASAP. The Windy City Rollers, Chicago's all-girl roller derby league, has its first game of the 2008 season next Saturday, January 26. Check out their website for tickets and info.
Evanston's Animal House
A fraternity at Northwestern is under investigation for hosting a midget wrestling ring.
$2,000,000,000 Estimated for Olympics
Officials estimate the costs of a 2016 Olympic Games in Chicago at $2 billion: $900 million for venue construction and $1.1 billion for an Olympic Village near McCormick Place. But calculating the costs of an Olympics is notoriously imprecise enterprise. London's 2012 games could cost four times the city's initial estimates. Here's Chicago's Olympic application.
An Olympic-sized Makeover
While the city gets set to unveil a detailed plan of its 2016 Olympic bid Tuesday, it seems we're still fighting the old Al Capone stereotype. Gee, he's only been dead for more than 60 years...
Bears with Guns
The Legend of Cecilio Guante site recalls a time when it was okay for the Monsters of the Midway to pack heat. Clever gun positioning there, Jim.
Now That's Tall
The NYT has a profile on Chicago native Kenny George, a Latin School grad who is 7 feet 7, 360 pounds, with size 26 shoes.
Olympic Press Conferences Can Get Hairy
Word to the wise for any Chicago Olympic bid officials: keep your own house in order. The wife of a sportscaster involved in the planning of the upcoming Olympics in Beijing hijacked his press conference and let his infidelity cat out of the bag. Includes video.
Looking Ahead to Olympic Dates
Olympic coverage already seems plenty stale, but some important deadlines are coming up. The most significant date before the June decision on formal candidacy is the January 14th filing deadline for the vision, venues and budget. Prepare for the first real look at the plan and some serious politics.
Chicago and the Mitchell Report
A quick search for the word "Chicago" in the Mitchell Report on steroids in baseball yields these players who had stints with the Cubs or White Sox: Todd Hundley, Matt Franco, Rondell White, Glenallen Hill, Todd Pratt, Kent Mercker, Scott Schoeneweis, Jerry Hairston, Jr., and Jim Parque. The only thing we can fairly say at this time is that these people are named in the report. Cancelled checks, FedEx slips -- they've got the goods. Matt Karchner provided some snitch-alation. The word "Sosa" appears but once, in a note indicating that Mitchell wrote him a letter with specific questions. Sosa didn't write back.
Da Coach Sure Likes to Golf, Huh?
Former Bears coach Mike Ditka displayed his well-developed sense of outrage this year to Congress over how the NFL treats it retirees. Now comes USA Today, with a report that the charity he formed in 2004 expressly to help those players has spent $57,000 on them and $715,000 on golf outings.
Devin Devotees Unite!
Stopping just short of calling opposing coaches chickens, a new website pretty much DEMANDS that teams be forced to kick to the Bears' freakishly-amazing return man Devin Hester.
That's Rough
The golf world is aghast at a Golf Magazine survey that placed Chicago 46th out of 50 best cities in America for golf.
Giants Covering Spread Against Bears?
The Freakonomics guys are wondering out loud why the Giants risked kicking to Hester on Sunday. Could it be... gambling?
Black Sox Documents Up for Auction
Mastro Auctions in Burr Ridge has put "thousands of rare documents, letters and memos" pertaining to the Black Sox scandal of 1919 up for auction. Included are notes from fans, angry letters from Charles Comiskey, and legal documents from the 1921 criminal trial in which eight White Sox players were banned from baseball after allegedly throwing the World Series. Items will remain on auction until December 13th, because nothing says "Merry Christmas Granny" like Shoeless Joe's canceled paycheck.
Former Pitching Stars
The Cubs signed a one-year contract with Kerry Wood (he'll be a reliever, not a starter). Mark Prior, on the other hand, may not be long for the team.
Name that Park
Speaking of city facility names, the Chicago Park District has some curiously named parks. Among them: Indian Road, Golden Gate, Valley Forge and, of course, the colorfully named No. 484.
The Glory Days of High School Football
The Tribune has compiled an extensive report of the 2007 season for the Mooseheart Red Ramblers. Complete in three parts, with supplemental video and photos. Suburban high school football at its most enthralling.
No Garland this Christmas
Retooling their lineup to try and get back to the World Series, the White Sox have shipped starter Jon Garland to the California Angels for shortstop Orlando Cabrera. The White Sox also get cash too, which should help the next time manager Ozzie Guillen gets fined.
Sadie Hawkins' Day Race & Style Ride
The now annual Sadie Hawkins' Day Race & Style Ride is back again, November 10th. What is it? "Sadie Hawkins Day Race/Style Ride is an on-street, in-traffic, point-to-point bike adventure for couples or pairs... There are prizes for the fastest couple, fastest tandem team, fastest out of towners, best dressed, and more." Last year's inaugural event drew people from out of town, generated a ton of missed connections and suffice to say, there were a few couples that are still together to this day.
Chicago Scores a Knockout
The head of the International Boxing Association is giving rave reviews to Chicago's hosting of the World Boxing Championships, calling them "the best ever." The hospitality he has received has prompted Dr. Ching-kuo Wu to say he'll support the city's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics. And participating boxers were equally overwhelmed, although three could not be reached for comment. Um, you have gone to a match, right? If not, you have until Saturday, Nov. 3.
Chicago Streetballin'
It's a little known fact that superstar NBA player Kevin Garnett credits his year at Farragut and streetball in Chicago with helping him develop into the player he is today. Even if you're not into sports, it's cool to hear him say "Chicago embraced me when they didn't have to ... [they] embraced a person who embraced them."
Weak, Strong, Who Cares?
Apparently now we're back to looking strong for the 2016 Olympics. We better not have to hear about every waffle for the next several years.
Goal of the Week
The Blackhawks had a great weekend, winning against tough teams -- but this goal by rookie Jonathan Toews was the definite high point. (Thanks, Jim!)
Outdoor Photography
The local Patagonia store is holding a photo contest. Local photographers are invited to submit a photo of themselves or family members doing active outdoor activities -- while wearing Patagonia clothing, of course. Three finalists will be selected to compete nationally for a trip for two to Vietnam. Bring your 4"x6" prints to the store by Oct. 31.
Gleaming the Kennedy
The Chicago Park District is proposing building a sweet skate park near the Kennedy at Logan Boulevard in Logan Square. The park will feature10 ramps, benches and a drinking fountain. The tag is nearly half a million, but it's a small price to pay for reviving that blighted strip while giving skaters a place to show off.
Rolling On
The Chi-Town Sirens, Chicago's second roller derby team, never quite caught on and shut down after just two seasons. Rising from its ashes, though, is the Chicago Outfit -- the toughest, most committed of the Sirens, out to prove they're serious. They're having a costume party/open skate next week; details in Slowdown. (There's a Windy City Rollers bout this weekend, too!)
Hester, Ridiculous
Whether you're a Bears fan who thinks there still might be hope for the 2007 team, or a sportswriter convinced the season is over, everyone can agree that Devin Hester, the Bears return man extraordinaire, is ridiculous.
Boxers on Parade
The human variety, not the canine. As part of a qualification tournament for the 2008 Beijing Olympics there will be a parade of boxers and their trainers next Monday, October 22 at 4 PM from the Palmer House to the Chicago Theatre. Any similarities between this event and the Olympics' opening ceremonies are purely intentional, as local Olympics boosters are hoping that this event will show the IOC that Chicago knows how to take care of international athletic competitions.
A Runner's Perspective
Frank Shorter, a two-time Olympic medalist, weighs in on what went wrong with the Chicago Marathon and what should be done to prepare runners for hot races in the future. (Thanks, Anne!)
Go West, Running Man
Didn't finish in the Chicago Marathon? Head on over to Denver. Runners who did not finish in the marathon here are invited to register for the marathon in Denver, happening this Sunday. Short notice, I know, but if you can get there you won't have to pay the entry fee.
Pwnage
Congrats to Jesse Rodriguez of Chicago, who was part of one of the winning teams in this year's World Cyber Games (an event which is, according to the Sun-Times, the gaming equivalent of the Olympics, so Chicagoans are already kicking butt in Olympics-like events). Jesse (or "AtmosFEAR", as he is known on the Internets) will share a $30,000 prize with his teammates.
Curse of the Billy Goat Continues?
Earlier this week, an unknown Cubs fan, apparently hoping to excise the curse of the Billy Goat, strung up at dead goat on the Harry Caray statue outside of Wrigley Field. The team needs the help: they're down 2-0 to the Diamondbacks.
Window to the Stars
The NY Times features Chicagoan John Spack's $100,000 domed observatory in its discussion of the burgeoning trend in home construction.
Cubs Fans Rejoice
Major League Baseball and the Cubs are sponsoring a rally tomorrow, at noon, in Daley Plaza to celebrate the Cubs' Central Division title. The Mayor and Governor are scheduled to attend, as are former players Billy Williams and Andy Pafko, among others. Of course, fans didn't need anyone to organize them a rally the night the Cubs clinched their postseason spot.
Hello Again, Everybody
Sad that Harry Carey wasn't around to watch another Cubs race to the playoffs, but you can still bring a little of him into your home. (Sad also that Stoney's not in the booth for this, but wait 'til next year, maybe.)
Rolling Hard
The Windy City Rollers have had a tough but rewarding year. The Tribune follows their big match against #1 ranked Madison.
No, You Don't Have to Box
The World Boxing Championships will be held in Chicago next month, and they're looking for volunteers to help with the event. Got what it takes? (Thanks, Evan!)
Bill Wirtz is dead
Alcohol and hockey magnate Bill Wirtz died this morning.
Norm Van Lier's Curse
Thabo Sefolosha might not know that the Bulls #2 is cursed! [via]
And Justice for Cyclists...
GB alumni and fellow teammate Luke Seemann recounts a hit-and-run during the team's weekly Saturday morning ride up to Highland Park and back on his excellent Chicago Bike Racing. Clearly an attack on the riders who were paying attention to the rules of the road, the culprit turned himself in and is now facing felony charges in court. Luke has further details on Thomas Lynch.
The Tequilia Fund
A donation fund has been set up for partially paralyzed Windy City Roller "Tequila Mockingbird," (previous coverage here, here) to help pay for her medical bills (she was uninsured). You can donate via PayPal to TheTahirahJohnsonTrust@gmail.com. All funds will be transferred directly into her North Community Bank trust account and are tax-deductible. (You can use that same address to send her well-wishings, too.)
There Once Was a Team Called the Cubs...
Photos and limericks about our North Side team. (Thanks, Enrich.)
7 Bids for the Olympics
Well, now we know who our competition is. And the local press is already giving Chicago the lead.
Is Chicago Bike-Friendly?
The Tribune sent a reporter and photographer along with two Chicagoland Bicycle Federation employees to ask the question in an article with video. Of course, they find out what most of us already know: cars mean trouble. Go ahead and take the poll, if you're so inclined.
Where to Fish
Want to go fishing? Here's where to go, and what you might catch there.
Cheetah Gym Saga Continues
Drive-Thru contributor Dana says, "I walked by the Andersonville location this morning and saw a sign in the window that said 'Cheetah Gym will be reopening under new ownership on Sept. 9.' Quick turn-around, huh?"
Wanna Be the Next Nitro or Lace?
That's right: "American Gladiators" is returning to TV after an 11-year hiatus. And they're looking for both gladiators and contestants here in Chicago. Show up at the Windy City Fieldhouse Sept. 16 for your chance.
The Heckler
Are the ups & downs of Chicago sports getting to you? The Heckler can help take the edge off.
Know Thy Vendor
Who are the men and women who pour frosty tall boys at Wrigley Field, answering the call of "Hey, beer man!" during the baseball season? Wrigley Beer Vendors has the answer, with 63 vendors profiled in a neat baseball card format. Can you do this?
Rolling the Tollway
Following the great success of Bike the Drive, the Chicago Bike Federation has somehow managed to persuade the Illinois Tollway to give Route 355 over to bicycle traffic on November 11. Six lanes, nothing but bikes.
Free Darko
The prominent hoops bloggers at freedarko.com will be having their first annual Columbian Exposition, er meetup, tonight at 8pm at the Five Star. Afterwards, you should stay at the Five Star for Transmission Thursday.
Lone Surfer of Lake Michigan
Detroit surfer Joe Bidawid landed safely in Chicago yesterday after paddling about 60 miles across Lake Michigan on his board. He did it to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
BREAKING NEWS: Serious Injury @ the Derby
Gapers Block just received word that Saturday night's Windy City Rollers bout was cut short by an incident that left Fury player Tahirah Johnson, aka Tequila Mockingbird, with a fractured cervical vertebra. She was rushed to surgery to relieve pressure and hopefully save her from paralysis. We'll keep you posted as details come in (below the break -- click on "More"); The WCR message board is another good place to watch for updates.
Of Boxers and Pit Bulls
The story of a former boxer and pitt-bull fighter from Freeport, IL. [via]
The Chicago Colts
If you follow baseball (or don't, in my case), you're probably aware of the 30-3 trouncing the Rangers gave the Orioles last night. However, you may not be aware that the team who still holds the record for points in a game (37, back in 1897), the Chicago Colts, was a predecessor to the Cubs.
Regional Fandom
Strange Maps reminds us that Cubs country is a bit bigger than White Sox country. Curse/Bless you SuperStation WGN!
Downtown Poshness Poolside
Apartment Therapy Chicago let us in on a cool option for a downtown getaway: The Hotel Intercontinental offers access to its amazing Roman Bath-style pool and fitness center for just $15. (Check out the virtual reality tour of the pool in the Amenities section of this {unfortunately all-Flash} site.)
Pessimism Reigns Eternal
Got an overconfident Cubs fan in your midst? Here's a song to help bring them back to earth, courtesy of the Beachwood Reporter.
Don't Jenks It
Despite the White Sox' continued suckitude, closer Bobby Jenks has been a bright spot. On Sunday, Jenks tied Jim Barr's all-time record of 41 consecutive batters retired. (Here's a great little profile from back just before Jenks joined the Sox in '05.)
Ping Pong Hype Machine
With a new comedy set to raise the profile of table tennis, it's good to realize that Chicago's own Killerspin has been making ping pong cool for years.
Say Hey, Let Me Play Too
The Cubs are for sale, and Ernie Banks wants in. Mr. Cub made an offer last year, before the Cubbies were available, and has talked to three of the investment teams getting ready to bid.
Look out for the Sky
Despite a loss the other night, the Chicago's 2nd-year franchise in the WNBA, the Sky, is in a playoff hunt. They play at the UIC Pavillion-- tickets here.
Every Cubs Fan Has a Blog
The Trib's Paul Sullivan runs through the goings-on at some major Cubs blogs. Be sure to check the comments to see the blogs he missed.
Chicago-Based Former Bulls + Duct Tape = Fishy
The Antoine Walker home invasion earlier this month was a little goofy, and led to some raised eyebrows. Now comes Eddy Curry, former Bull, currently of Burr Ridge-- he got nicked the exact same way. Police say it wasn't random. Suffice it to say, when the other shoe drops, it'll be a big one.
A City that Fishes Together...
As gun-wielding citizens get taken out by the police at a pretty good clip, Checkerboard Chat says that the Chicago Police Department is hosting Hooked on Fishing at Sherman Park Lagoon, Garfield Park, Northerly Island, Humboldt Park, and Montrose Harbor over the next month.
He Stays!
The "Will He Stay or Will He Go" debate that has swirled around White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle has finally been resolved with a contract extension. No word about what White Sox fans are left to talk about now.
Where's the Love for No Glove?
Sure hosting the Olympics would be neat, but asking the vital questions, an article on the 16 Inch Hall of Fame website wonders what effect it might have on Chicago's game.
Bagtown
Since we're on the subject of cornhole, you might want to check out ChicagoCornhole.com. The tournament they set up at Pizza Fest was fun, but take some friendly advice and get some practice in first if you don't want to get owned. I know...ahem...from experience.
Beanbags Away!
Don't know how I missed this yesterday: Cornhole, aka Baggo, makes the front page of the Wall Street Journal.
What's Ozzie Thinking?
With the White Sox struggling mightily, the Onion gives us a sense of what might happen if we knew what Ozzie was thinking.
Foot-Powered Festivals
The Chicagoland Bike Federation has put together bike-friendly routes to a few summer festivals, including the Irish American Heritage Festival and Chinatown Summer Fair.
Big Changes for the Lakefront?
In yet another public works project designed to win favor with the IOC (and area boaters), the Park District has released tentative plans to build three additional harbors. The Trib provides renderings.
Hounds Called Off
The Hoffman Estates-based Chicago Hounds United Hockey League team is closing shop after only a year in business due to issues with their home rink, the Sears Centre.
Bardball: Reviving the art of Baseball Doggerel
Submit your baseball-themed poems and songs to Bardball.com, the site that "wants to resurrect the connection between baseball and poetry, between the love of the game and love of language." The site is run by two Chicago writers -- James Finn Garner (Politically Correct Bedtime Stories and the new book Recut Madness: Favorite Movies Retold for Your Partisan Pleasure) and Stuart Shea (Wrigley Field: The Unauthorized Biography and editor of Wrigley Season Ticket 2007.)
No Tank for 8 Games
The Bears' Tank Johnson has been suspended by the NFL for eight games next season as a result of his arrest on weapons charges last year. Which means, unless he gets time off for good behavior, we'll see him suit up for the first time Nov. 11.
Cubs, Cubs, Cubs
It's been quite the weekend for the Cubs with players fighting each other & the manager "Lou-sing" his cool. Also this week, the NYTimes published a video feature on "The Re-education of Kerry Wood".
Obama's Political Hoops
The NYTimes details Senator Obama's hoops profile and it's potential impact on his political career. It turns out that Alexi Giannoulias (Illinois State Treasurer), Martin Nesbitt (Chairperson of CHA), and Arne Duncan (CEO of CPS) were part of his basketball clique. Of the four, it's only Duncan who has played hoops professionally (in Australia).
Yet Another Googlemap, Duffer's Edition
Like golf? Crain's Chicago Business has the map for you, listing 191 courses in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana.
Olympic Logo Woes
The International Olympic Committee has determined the Chicago bid logo violates the organization's rules. A new logo is now in the works.
Scourge of the Suburbs
A revolt is underway in the suburbs. The target: new sidwalks. After all, with sidewalks, "who knows what you'd be encouraging to come through?" The Trib's online readers are having none of it, with approximately 90% saying sidewalks in neighborhoods are "a positive addition."
Derby Day Approches
Saturday marks the 133rd running of the Kentucky Derby (as well as Cinco de Mayo), and if you like double-fisting mint juleps and margaritas, there are plenty of bars that can accommodate you. If you want to get out to the track, but can't afford the bus fare to Louisville, however, you can take advantage of a coupon for free admission to Arlington Park racetrack in today's Red Eye, just outside the city limits, and on the Metra rail.
Shuttlecocks, Bowls and Wickets
Now that the warm embrace of spring has you snuggled close, it's time to think about some fun springtime sports. Like badminton. Or lawn bowling. But does anybody out there have a croquet hook-up?
Not a Family Values Pick
Greg Olsen, the Bears' first round draft pick, recorded an amazingly sexist song with other students while a freshman in college.
Return on Investment
At the beginning of April, the Tribune profiled baseball card collector Lionel Carter, who was about to put his collection up for auction, fearing for his safety after home invaders stole some of it. The portion he's auctioned so far has earned $1.6 million. NPR interviewed him yesterday.
Rejoice Sports Fans
Chicago sports fans really had something to cheer about this weekend. The Cubs, the Bulls and the Fire all defeated the defending champions of their respective leagues. Unfortunately the Cubs victory is tinged with sadness; the last game of their series was canceled due to the Cardinal family's loss of pitcher Josh Hancock in a car crash.
Enjoying the Hoopla
The Bulls won their first playoff series since "the Jordan era" on Sunday afternoon by defeating the Miami Heat. Up next: Detroit.
Rush Onwards!
Best wishes to Chicago Rush head coach Mike Hohensee, who was hit by a car Friday afternoon and released from the hospital yesterday. Our defending Arena Football League Champion Rush are set to play Jon Bon Jovi's Philadelphia Soul Monday night (7pm, ESPN2) at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.
No Tinkers. No Evers. No Chance.
Talk about talking smack! The St. Louis Post-Dispatch rewrites a famous baseball poem to articulate why the Cubs will NEVER win the World Series.
Top Dog
They haven't got much attention from the local press, nor did they have a winning record in their first season, but the Chicago Hounds can at least claim one thing: Greg Puhalski was named UHL Coach of the Year.
Get Out of the Ballpark!
And onto this new web site: Out of the Ballpark is "the everything that's close to Wrigley Field guide" that boasts info on dining "beyond peanuts," a handy shopping guide for folks who aren't looking just for jerseys and ballcaps, maps and travel guides and more. Great for out-of-towners and locals alike.
Olympic Arts
With all of the hubbub about the Olympics, there's an argument that sports shouldn't get all of the attention. In a city currently alive with Version>07, and soon to have Artropolis going too, art should also be at the forefront. Tribune art critics provide a few conceptions of how art could work with the Olympics.
Al Capone! Bang Bang!
The city's charming gangster past is further commemorated in RuneSoft's Chicago 1930 game, which now offers any interested parties (with Macs) a demo that "impresses with very detailed and varying backdrops offering dark courtyards and dubious brothels as well as monumental buildings of large towns."
An Expensive Hat
Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher was fined $100,000 for wearing an unsanctioned hat during an NFL event. I wonder how much additional advertising this fine will provide for the brand in question.
Too Late, Slowpokes
If you were planning on running in the Chicago Marathon this year, I hope you signed up already: direct registration closed today, a bit earlier than usual. There are still limited spaces available through the Chicago Area Runners Association and a number of other organizations; check the list on this page. (Thanks, jaymce!)
They're the Wirtz
As readers of Sports in Five know, the Blackhawks' season is over, finishing 13th in their division. The Wall Street Journal takes a look at the man every Hawks fan blames: Bill Wirtz.
Jackie Robinson Day
April 15th, the 60th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball's color-barrier, has been designated Jackie Robinson Day by Major League Baseball. In tribute to Robinson, the White Sox Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome, Alex Cintron, (first-base coach) Harold Baines, and (third-base coach) Razor Shines will wear Robinson's # 42. Cubs Derrek Lee, Cliff Floyd, Jacque Jones, Daryle Ward, (hitting coach) Gerald Perry, and (bullpen coach) Lester Strode will do the same.
One Step Closer to the Olympics
Chicago has been picked over Los Angeles by the US Olympic Committee as their preference for hosting the 2016 Olympics. Now we have to persuade the International Olympic Committee that we are worthy. We've got a while to make our case, though; the final decision won't be made until October 2009.
Olympic Decision Pending
The decision of the US Olympic Committee comes down tomorrow, and I don't know about you, but I like Chicago's chances over LA a whole lot better now that Mitt Romney has thrown his support behind us.
Cubs as Commodity
Take a gander at the queue for buying "a shrine, a team and a great place to watch baseball."
Casting a Wider Net
Chicago Sportscast already produces some of the best podcasts on our local sports teams (including one by our own Bears in Five columnists), but they're not satisfied. So they're launching networks in Atlanta, the Bay Area, Boston, D.C., Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia and St. Louis. Auditions are already taking place; if you know a sports nut in one of those towns, put'em in touch.
Darryl Stingley is Dead
Chicago native and community leader Darryl Stingley, who was paralyzed in an NFL football game in 1978 and went on to live a productive, inspiring life from his wheelchair, has died.
Odes to Lou & Ozzie
It might only be two games into the baseball season, but it's never too early to sing odes to managers Ozzie Guillen and Lou Piniella.
Hope Springs Eternal
What else can you say on Opening Day? For those of you looking for some diversions this afternoon, the White Sox are playing Cleveland on the South Side & the Cubs are playing in Cincinnati. Both games are at 1PM. Neither team is going to go 162-0 this season, but for a few more hours it remains a mathematical possibility.
Cricket: More Than Just Wearing All White (Apparently)
With the 2007 Cricket World Cup currently taking place in the Caribbean and the Clue-esque intrigue surrounding the murder of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer, cricket has been getting a lot of press lately. If all the cricket noise has inspired you to learn about the game, pull a Jerry Seinfeld American Express commercial ("That was a wicked googly"), or check out a match in-person, GB has you covered. Or, more specifically, is able to guide you to the website of the Greater Chicago Cricket Association.
Wasted Away Again In Wrigleyville
The folks at Deadspin (Gawker's sports blog) just posted their season preview for [announcer voice] your revamped 2007 Chicago Cubs.
Low Cost Sneakers (No Word on Headbands)
Chicago Bulls center Ben Wallace is joining the affordable sneaker movement with his new shoe "the Big Ben" expected to be available in the fall and to retail for $15. The shoes look to have all the popular features of today's modern athletic footwear sans the markup.
Speaking of the Bears and eBay...
Reader Zach informs us that some of those Bears SuperBowl XLI Champions shirts that got sent to Africa have found their way to eBay. A must-have for the ultimate superfan.
Today's eBay Find
A commemorative wristwatch from the 1940 NFL championship, where the Chicago Bears beat the Washington Redskins 73-0. The watch, originally given to Bears fullback Gary Famiglietti, recently turned up in the personal effects of a northwest suburban man who died in November. The Sun-Times reports that one interested buyer is of course the Chicago Bears, who would love to have this piece of team history.
Crack of the Skull
In 2005, Adam Greenberg was called up to the Chicago Cubs from a farm team in Tennessee. During his first-ever MLB at-bat, he was struck in the head by a 90 MPH fastball. This week's New York Times Magazine looks at what he's doing now.
Look Out for That Sand Trap
Custodians at a Mundelein golf course discovered a skull and assorted bones at and around the 14th tee. The varmint responsible has yet to be identified. [Warning: The last two links are noisy.]
A Home Turf Challenge to Boeing
Plane watchers will be pleased to hear the Airbus A380 will definitely visit O'Hare tomorrow.
In Case You Missed It
Simeon defeated O'Fallon 77-54 last night in the Class AA boy's basketball championships. Long-time high school sports beat writer Bob Sakamoto called them, "the greatest Public League team of all time". That's saying alot.
Puss Pummelling
In last night's surprising game between Duke and VCU, former Glenbrook North High standout Jon Scheyer took one hard to the face. Duke was ousted, Scheyer was bloodied, and lots of betting pools were hosed. (Awesome bloody photo here.)
Fill Out Your Bracket
If you haven't yet read this week's Hoops in Five, it's mostly about the NCAA Tournament. For those interested in that sort of thing (and who doesn't fill out a bracket, really?) join the Gapers Block pool. The winner will be announced on the site, and receive both my admiration and a moderately exciting prize!
The South Side Chicago Board of Tourism
Convert your currency to South Side dollars while enjoying an unusual White Sox website.
Windy City Rollers Announce Bout Dates
The Windy City Rollers, Chicago's first all-girl flat-track roller derby league, has announced bout dates for the 2007 season. All bouts are held at The Stadium in Cicero (1909 S. Laramie). Check here to buy tickets, or for a list of ticket vendors.
* April 21 * May 19 * June 16 * July 21 (playoffs) * September (championships - date/location TBA)
New Style or Old Style?
Earlier this month we mentioned the new ads in the outfield at Wrigley. Baseball parks have sported ad signage since the turn of the century, but if you really loved those green doors, you can join the other petition signers at Savewrigley.com.
These Roller Girls Need Shirts
The Windy City Rollers need new shirts and they want you to design them. That's right, enter your design idea for a new WCR League shirt before March 21st and you could win a butt-load of prizes, not to mention be responsible for helping our own bad girls of the flat-track look their best.
Visit Beautiful Woodstock
Northwest suburban Woodstock was named one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Dozen Distinctive Destinations for 2007. [via]
Irish Pugilism
The annual tradition of Irish men beating each other up is just around the corner. Undefeated Chicago light heavyweight "Irish" Mike Nevitt will face fellow Irishman Shawn Hammack in the main event at March Mayhem, "Chicago's annual St. Patrick's Day professional boxing event" on Friday, March 16th, at Cicero Stadium. Full card details in Slowdown.
The World's Game in Our Town
Sure LA has whats-his-name on the way, but let's not forget Chicago is home to the US Soccer House, and now, will host the CONCACAF Gold Cup semis and finals.
Look the Part
If you took our suggestion to heart and are trying to find ways to look the part for the US Olympic Committee's scout team, you might want to head over to Marsh...er, Macy's and check out the new official "Chicago 2016 Shop".
Olympic Committee In Town
Quick, everybody, look athletic! A scout team for the US Oympic Committee is in town on a two-day visit to Chicago to hear city officials' arguments as to why we should host the 2016 Olympics. On April 14, the committee will vote between Chicago and Los Angeles, and then the winner of that vote goes on the short list of world cities in the running (a list that also includes Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo and Madrid), and then the actual winner is announced in October. Of 2009. That's right, the Olympic committees still have two more years of looking at cities, but at least by April we'll know if Chicago is in the finals.
Skates Alive! It's a Derby Design Contest!
Have you always wanted to be on a derby girl's chest? Don't be silly -- of course you have. And here's your chance. Chicago's own babes-on-skates, the Windy City Rollers, have announced a t-shirt contest. The winning t-shirt design will be featured WCR merch and sold at the 2007-08 bouts as well as online. But the sweet goodness doesn't stop there. Check here for all the guidelines and specifications and a full list of the booty. Deadline for entries is March 19 at 10am.
Another Bird to Check Off the List
Chicago birders will be pleased to hear that a Black Headed gull is currently visiting the Montrose Avenue Beach.
Bulls Turkey Burger?
Did the Bulls open a hamburger restaurant in Turkey? NBA Fanhouse thinks not officially. Naturally, there's a Michael Jordan burger, named in honor of the "basketball wizard" himself.
Santo Snubbed...Again
Ron Santo is to the Hall of Fame as Martin Scorsese is to the Academy Awards. Wait. That one doesn't quite work anymore. But you get the point. While the Academy righted its wrong with Scorsese the other night, yesterday the Hall of Fame Veterans Committee denied Chicago baseball legend Ron Santo his deserved spot in Cooperstown. It'll be two "maybe next year"s until Santo gets another shot at bronze bust immortality.
Johnny "Red" Kerr: NBA.com Broadcaster of the Week
There's a great story on NBA.com about Bulls legend Johnny "Red" Kerr. He recounts their early days as an expansion team, sheds light on the origins of the Michael Jordan ritual of clapping resin in Kerr's face before each game, and list his top 5 Bulls moments (with links to video).
What About 06776?
Calling all Cubs fans: if you've got a wristband for single ticket sales, the Cubs announced this morning that "Wrigley Field is currently servicing wristband numbers between 06779 and 09000." If your wristband is between these numbers you should report to Gate K on Waveland Avenue immediately. You've got until 5 PM. If you've got 06777 (06778 was not distributed), call WGN-- Old Style wants to reward you for losing and give you a ticket to the home opener.
Granddad the Wii Master
Welcome to a world wherein grandparents in Lake County teach their grandchildren how to play video games.
Chicago2016 - A Done Deal?
A sports business insider says the 2016 Olympics are Chicago's to lose. Take that, Los Angeles! We have Pat Ryan!
I Am A Patient Boy; e-Wait, e-Wait, e-Wait
Single-game tickets for the Cubs 2007 season go on sale Friday morning, and if you didn't get a wristband today, you might as well prepare to dedicate a browser tab for the Virtual Waiting Room and see what's left when your number comes up. (Alternately, you could buy single-game Sox tickets right now.)
So Long, Chief
Tonight's the night for Chief Illiniwek's last performance, during the halftime at the Illinois-Michigan game. After the Chief is retired, the Illini logo featuring the chief will eventually also be retired, although the State Journal-Register reports that the school is trying to develop a phase-out plan to make sure the logo doesn't fall into disuse and enter the public domain, allowing any old manufacturer to use it on their products. In the meantime, the Illini gear with the chief logo is flying off the shelves at the school's store.
Peace to the Chief
Chief Illiniwek will no longer perform at University of Illinois events.
Think Spring! Think Ultimate Spring
Registration for spaces in Ultimate Chicago's Spring League opens tomorrow. It'll be a month before Spring League play begins, but registering early will give you something to look forward to!
Cub's Hot Tub Flub
Continuing the tradition of baseball players finding novel ways of injuring themselves, Cubs reliever Kerry Wood hurt himself getting out of his hot tub! Cubs fans worry not, he'll be back on the mound in a few days.
Lemme Hear Ya
ah one....ah two....ah three.......Cub Fans and Bud Men from Liechtenstein to Malaysia are participating in a worldwide drink-a-thon in honor of Harry Caray. Ground zero is Harry Caray's Restaurant downtown, of course. Broadcast live right now.
Sports Dad Strikes Again
An Aurora man was caught on home video Sunday picking up his son's 11-year-old wrestling opponent and tossing the kid out of the ring, before charging the cameraman—the kid's father. NBC5 has a slideshow with scenes from the video.
Olympic Sized Donor Pool
Chicago 2016, the campaign to bring the Olympics here, is throwing its first public fundraiser March 1, and it already has $6 million in ticket sales.
Camo Spandex
The outfield walls of Wrigley Field will be sporting ads for Under Armour this year. Maybe it'll help the Cubs work on doing this.
Planet Palehose Draws Its Heroes
With less than 50 days to go before opening day, you can start getting ready for baseball on the southside by checking out cartoonist Carl Skanberg's Palehose 7. It's a more modern look for our heroes who were last seen sailing the south (side) seas in search of (more) baseball championship treasure.
A Bet's A Bet
Scott Wiese of Decatur signed a pledge before the Super Bowl that if the Bears lost, he would change his name to Peyton Manning. A man of his word, Wiese went to the Macon County courthouse on Tuesday and filed the name change paperwork.
Somewhere Rex is King
While only one team wins the Super Bowl, the NFL prepares for either outcome by printing championship apparel for both teams. The NYT reports that the losing team's apparel is donated to the remotest parts of the world through World Vision. So, somewhere someone believes that the Bears won the championship, and has a shirt to prove it!
No Need To Show Up
Not too surprisingly, today's planned homecoming celebration at Daley Plaza for the Chicago Bears has been cancelled at the team's request. Wait till next year.
Capping Our Bears Coverage For Now
You've probably had enough of the Bears for the time being, so we'll lay off until Sunday. Besides, the Beachwood Reporter has collected more than enough Bears-related links to last you the next couple days.
But Remember Kids, Gambling's Not Cool
Mayor Daley laid out his spread for the traditional friendly wager between mayors of Super Bowl cities today, and it's a doozy. Daley's not worried, though, warning Indy mayor Bart Peterson that he's won bets with the mayors of five other cities in the last year and a half. While we wait for Peterson to ante up, the cities' theaters are getting in on the action as well. Bailiwick artistic director David Zak announced a bet with Bryan Fonseca of Indianapolis's Phoenix Theatre: ten tickets to Bailiwick's upcoming US premiere of Jerry Springer: The Opera if the Colts win, and ten comps to Phoenix's world premiere And Her Hair Went With Her for a Bears win.
SexyRexy.com Was Taken
MidwestBusiness.com's Brad Spirrison proclaims his love of RexGrossman.com. It's a decent site, but you'll want to turn down your speakers, or you'll be treating the office to "Sexy Rexy's Back." (By the way, you *really* don't want to visit sexyrexy.com -- unless you want your IT department flagging you for visiting a pr0n site.)
"It has finally happened!!!"
The New York Times goes above and beyond once again, this time to find out where the respective territories of Bears and Colts fans merge into one blue-and-orange and blue-and-white slurry of some Bear/Colt hybrid creature. The answer: Rensselaer, Indiana. And they're pumped for Sunday.
The Helmet Crack'd
An oversized fiberglass Bears helmet cracked while being placed on one of the Art Institute Lions. Perhaps the lions--who have designations rather than proper names--are secret and disgruntled fans of a certain Michigan team.
Schmattze Speaks
In 1943, as male National Baseball League players went off to war, Cubs owner Philip K. Wrigley formed the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Players Association to keep the ballparks in business. Former Chicago native and Springfield Sallies pitcher Esther "Schmattze" Morrison shares a few memories of when baseball diamonds were a girl's best friend.
Disappointed Fans and Blocked Media
The Mount Prospect Costco turned away disappointed fans and at least one camera crew after it stipulated that William "Refrigerator" Perry could only sign Costco-bought items. (Video has additional details.)
Indy Smack
Indianapolis Star writer Michael Tully ruminates on possibilities for the lame tradition of Mayoral Sports Betting. He starts off trying to come up w/ some municipal trash talk about Chicago. Finding it difficult, he settles into the old standard-- Bear's fans are "drunk and disorderly".
"My Body for Your Super Bowl Tickets!"
We're already seeing the first of what will end up being a host of stories on the lengths that Chicagoans will go to get Super Bowl tickets! For example, Lake View woman Jennifer Gordon will gladly paint an ad across her pregnant belly in exchange for two Super Bowl tickets. Since 100 million people will see this ad clearly on television, it might not be a bad deal.
Better Than Curling
It's winter. Darn near February, too. And if you don't yet have one of those deep-purple, painful-to-the-touch, entire-buttock bruises acquired after an icy slip-and-fall, then now is your chance to get one. And you can have fun while doing it, too! Yes, it's broomball season in the icy north, folks. So put on that third layer of sweatpants and get out to Warren Park for everyone's favorite coed winter sport. Seasons start on February 6 and 15. Registration information here, or call 773-866-2955.
Define "Once in a Lifetime Experience"
Not wanting to cheat her husband Mark of the joy of seeing the Bears trounce the Saints at Soldier's Field, Colleen Pavelka of Homer Glen induced labor on Friday rather than risk giving birth during the big game. "I thought, how could (Mark) miss this one opportunity that he might never have again in his life?" said Pavelka, 28, who is now undoubtedly prayed to as a fertility goddess by legions of male Bears fans.
He Voted For the Bears Before He Voted Against Them
It's a relatively minor entry on the list of reasons why the Bears' trouncing of the Saints yesterday, and their impending trip to Super Bowl XLI, is freaking awesome. But it still warms my heart to reread Jay Mariotti's column from yesterday's Sun-Times—while I'm glad he's healthy enough to be writing again, his pessimistic, ripjob game preview is classic back-and-forth bombast, negative enough that Mariotti could say he told us so if the Bears lost, but never outright predicting they would. Expect Mariotti's next column to claim he knew all along the Bears would dominate the Saints—and the one after that to proclaim they can't possibly beat the Colts.
Bears Win!
As you've no doubt heard, the Bears are going to the Super Bowl!
Harlem (Avenue?) Globetrotters
If you thought the Harlem Globetrotters were actually from New York, you're totally wrong, friend. Today's Trib has a story on the South Side roots of the Washington Generals' sworn enemies, chock full of history and trivia (Meadowlark Lemon's real first name? George). Basketball's goodwill ambassadors are playing at the United Center on Saturday and two games at the Sears Centre on Sunday.
Illiniwek Costume to be Returned?
The latest news in the Chief Illiniwek saga is that the Ogala Sioux Tribe, which provided the U of I with the mascot's costume in 1982, is now asking for the costume back. The issue will be taken up by university trustees after the tribe sent its resolution to the school yesterday.
Another Chicago ban to be flouted?
The only thing stronger than a smoking ban: the Bears' chance at the Super Bowl. Three Chicago suburbs are considering a temporary lift on the ban to review the impact the ban's having on the local economy -- and to allow bars and restaurants to permit smoking in their businesses during the Bears game on Sunday and the Super Bowl.
Bicycle Film Festival '07: Call for Submissions
After last year's small success in Chicago, we've heard word that the Bicycle Film Festival will be back again. Currently, founding director Brendt Barbur and co are looking for new submissions for the 2007 round of film festivals set to take place in up to 15 cities: "We are looking for films with a strong theme or character of bicycles. This includes all mediums and styles such as animation, experimental, narrative, documentary and music videos." The deadline is February the 17th so you have about a month to get going or fine-tune that piece you've been working on. Details at the site or take a look at the flyer here.
Can't Bear It
With today's overtime win against the Seahawks, the Bears will face the Saints next Sunday for the NFC Championship and their first trip to the superbowl since 1985. Great news, to be sure, but does that mean we have to suffer through Mike Ditka singing "Bear Down, Chicago Bears" with CBS2's Vince Gerasole?
Gender-Neutral Dorms?
The University of Chicago is contemplating gender-neutral undergraduate housing -- an idea the Maroon editorial board endorses.
Fallen Rider Memorial Ride
A group of Chicago cyclists (myself being one of them) have organized a ride to raise awareness of the growing number of cyclist fatalities in the Chicagoland area. Named the "Fallen Rider Memorial Ride", the ride will start at the Thompson Center at 6pm tomorrow, January the 3rd and will ride to Diversey and Pulaski at an easygoing and respectful pace. The goal? To highlight how important driving and cycling are to Chicago and how the two require attention and respect. A PDF flyer can be viewed, downloaded, printed and passed along from here.
Purdue-Calumet Gets an 'F'
Purdue University Calumet, a Division I NAIA school and a member of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference, has cancelled the remainder of its mens' basketball season after more than half of the team's members were declared academically ineligible after the fall semester. The Peregrines' entire coaching staff resigned.
Chicago's Video Game Influence
Online gaming magazine Gamasutra just released the final installment of its five-part series on Chicago game studios. The final stop is Midway.
Squatting on Hester
Devin Hester is a top contender for Rookie of the Year, but the contest to squat on his name on the web has already been won, apparently by these guys. At least second place, DevinHester.net, was nabbed by someone local.
Is Something Awry in Bearsland?
The house of Chicago Bears defensive linebacker Tank Johnson was raided today. No one's talking about what went down, but a man was led from the home in handcuffs and "items sought in the warrant were recovered inside the home." [Update: Johnson has been charged with firearms violations.]
Lies, Damned Lies, and...
Peter Bernstein's fifteen-year statistical analysis of the relationship between the Cubs' winning records and the yearly increase in ticket prices suggests that after the abysmal 2006 season, prices should remain basically the same next year. I'm willing to bet that between the Tribune Company's woes and the front office's free-spending offseason activity, the statistics won't hold.
Rookie of the Year
Congratulations to Bears Safety Devin Hester, who now has two NFL records under his belt: a tie for longest return from earlier this season, and now the most returns for touchdowns in a single season. He ran back two in last night's win against the Rams.
Super Bowl Mumble
Chicago Magazine has posted the lyrics and a video for "The Super Bowl Mumble," this year's smash-hit update of the "Super Bowl Shuffle."
"How cool would it be to have Quidditch at Soldier Field?"
Plans are underway for a Harry Potter conference in Chicago in August 2008. It looks like it will be organized by these people.
Cut Down Too Soon
The Bears may have won, but Chicago's bid for rock-paper-scissors supremecy was cut short this weekend. Local teacher Jason Kieronski lost in the first round of the world RPS championship in Toronto.
Chicago vs. LA for 2016?
Chicago's Olympic hopes may have gotten a boost this week, as San Francisco appears to be taking itself out of the running after the 49ers nixed plans for a new stadium there.
I got a rock
As the Bears stumble on their way to the Super Bowl, it's good to know that other Chicagoans are representing the city in other sporting events. The Sun-Times reports that local gym teacher Jason Kieronski is heading to Toronto to take part in this year's international world championship of Rock Paper Scissors. Best of luck, Jason!
Project Gridiron
Our friends at Coudal have been awfully busy shipping Sixteen Straight tees. It's only natural folks would want to show them off.
Getting Off To A Good Start
The Bulls certainly did just that in their 108-66 destruction of the defending champs. It was the worst performance ever by a defending champ on opening night. Chicagoans better have room in their diet to be excited about both the Bears and Bulls. Bulls in Five will return this Monday for its sophomore season.
Sadie Hawkins Day Race
Sadie Hawkins is a fictional day from a L'il Abner strip. However, it is now also a bike race organized to encourage women of all kinds who ride bikes to come out and race for fun, as well as to benefit the Chicago Women's Health Center. There's a pre-race fashion party on Friday, Nov 10th in the Fulton Markets with the race happening on Nov 11th, followed with a post-party the same day. Want to race? Want to have fun? Check out the myspace.
Breeches, Bloodhounds and All
What do you call a fox hunt without foxes? The Wayne-Dupage, apparently. BusinessWeek profiles the sport of the suburban gentry.
The New Suburban Venue
Now that the Sears Centre is officially open, the Daily Herald offers a review of its first night in action, and the Sun Times and the Trib provide some background.
A Cinderella Story for the Cubs
A little old, but worth pointing to as the Tribune prepares to auction itself: An Open Letter to Bill Murray, in which it's recommended he buy the Cubs.
Marathon winner released from hospital
Robert Cheruiyot, the Kenyan runner who won Sunday's Chicago Marathon but slipped & fell right at the finish line, was released from the hospital this morning after sufficiently recovering from the head injuries he sustained in his fall. A championship ceremony is happening downtown right now to celebrate his win, and he's expected to make a full recovery.
She's the Running Back
Meet Lasaadia Jones, the first female varsity football player in Chicago Public League history.
Bears, Oil and the Mob
If I had the inside line on a conspiracy involving former Chicago Bears great Ed O'Bradovich, fraud, oil and the mob, I don't know if YouTube is the place I'd turn. But that seems to be the only place Joe Weinbender is telling his story.
You can put it on the ratings board, yes!
Or as Crain's puts it, Holy cow! For the first time in recent memory, the Sox beat the Cubs in overall TV ratings on WGN, WCIU and Comcast Sports Net. The Cubs still sold more tickets than the Sox; of course that was mostly at the beginning of the season...
"The Bears Are Who We Thought They Were"
Good luck finding a quiet spot where nobody's talking about last night's Bears game. Grossman sucked, but at least he admitted it -- and had the stellar defense and surprising special teams to back him up. My favorite soundbite is the one from Cardinals coach Dennis Green, who melted down at the podium and delivered that unintentionally ambiguous quote above; NSFW video accompanies MSNBC's story. (Also.)
A Force-ful Tryout Season
I love the current energy behind women's sports here in Chicago. I only wish I was a little more coordinated to do something like tryout for a women's professional tackle football team. The Chicago Force is ready to get next year's team signed up and in practice. Cause next year is the year we win!
Sox at 7:11
So you heard that weekday White Sox games will start at 7:11pm, right? Here's a story on how the team and sponsor 7-Eleven came up with the agreement, which will bring the Sox and extra half-mil a year for three years.
My Lake Michigan Firing Range
The Coast Guard has proposed establishing 34 permanent live-fire zones in the Great Lakes. The 2,500 square miles of water would be closed to public while in use. As you might expect, people throughout the Great Lakes are more than a little upset. Currently, the Coast Guard's information site is offline although a comment page and a press release are available.
Five Down, 11 to Go
The Bears are looking damn good this year. Think they can go all the way? Then this new shirt, created by Coudal Partners, is the one for you.
Rollin' to the playoffs
You know you don't want to miss the Windy City Rollers' second-season playoffs this Sunday, with the Double Crossers vs. The Fury and Manic Attackers vs. Hell's Belles, plus halftime hula hoop hijinks by Hoopafreaks. But how do you get out to Cicero Stadium if you're carless? Appropriately enough you can take the oh-so-delicate Pink Line (the stadium is two blocks north of the 54/Cermak station), or for five bucks you can get on the WCR party bus from Liar's Club. Bout details in Slowdown.
Dusty No Longer Trusty
The Cubs made official what's been expected for months now: Dusty Baker will not be returning as manager. The hunt for a Mr. October is now on.
Another Reason to Look Up
Early Friday morning, two people BASE jumped from a downtown crane. This is the second noted jump in as many weeks.
Cold Steel on Ice Tonight
The Blackhawks play their first preseason game tonight against the St. Louis Blues. Not up on your Hawks? Get a preview in the debut Pucks in Five column.
Billy Joel Goes to Wrigley
Kinda, at least: to the tune of that ode on Boomer-dom, it's "Dusty Baker, You Must Get Fired."
Bet on the Bears, Win Furniture
The Bears gave Brett Favre his first shut-out on Sunday, and by doing so they won free furniture for dozens of customers at World Furniture Mall in south suburban Plano. Owner Randy Gonigam was insured to pay out up to $300,000 worth of furniture, but he never expected it to happen.
"He just wanted his glasses repaired"
The prosecution of Benny the Bull, the Chicago Bulls mascot who took a swing at a police officer at the Taste of Chicago in July (because, lest we forget, the officer was trying to get Benny to stop riding around on a small motorcycle at the Taste), came to an end today as prosecutors dropped charges after Benny paid $200 to have the officer's glasses repaired.
The Superfan to Beat All Superfans
You may think you are the Bears' biggest fan. But you pale in comparison to this guy.
Bikes+Metra ≠ Bikes+South Shore Line
A Lincoln Park high school teacher has a lesson for you: Metra's bicycle regulations are more permissive than the South Shore Line's. He has a $150 taxi ride from South Bend to Lincoln Park to prove it.
Hockey in Five?
Anybody out there a hockey fan? Gapers Block is looking for a columnist to write Blackhawks (and possibly Wolves) in Five for our popular Sports in Five column. Email your application with a couple sample items to ah@gapersblock.com.
Yet Another Reason the Sox Are Better:
Do the Cubs have their own cartoon, with the team as pirates?
Meet the new Steve Bartman
At last night's White Sox/Twins game, an unidentified man in a White Sox jersey deflected a White Sox ball at the end of the game, resulting in a fan interference call and giving the game (and the AL wild-card lead) to the Twins. So if you see someone you don't know in a White Sox shirt, that's probably the guy!
Lucha Libre, Gratis!
Tomorrow night at 6pm, the Congress Theater is hosting a Lucha Libre wrestling match featuring La Parka and Super Astro versus Blue Panther and Tarzan Boy. For free! How can you pass it up? Check out the Congress website to sign up for free tickets.
Better Luck Next Year
Speaking of undesirable rankings, the Chicago Sky set the WNBA record for highest number of losses in a season over the weekend at 29. The franchise wrapped up its first year yesterday with a win, one of only five the team managed this season.
Mountainous Chicago
I've never thought of Chicago as an obstacle course, but this article in Dirt Rag describing a trip through the city with Chicago Freeride sort of makes me wish I had big nobby tires on my bike.
Coming In Bronze
Crain's takes a look at how Chicago stacks up against its American competition for the 2016 Olympics and finds us falling short compared to rivals LA and San Francisco.
Gold at the End of the Rainbow
In the end and despite all the hullabaloo preceding them, the Gay Games were evidently successful: Crain's reports that attendance exceeded expectations by 40%, and event chair Kevin Boyer tells Pink News that "Chicagoans made up the largest number of the spectators."
We're #1!
The Sporting News has named Chicago "America's top sporting city" in their annual poll thanks, in part, to the Sox's World Series win and the postseasons of the Bears and the Bulls. Boston, Mass was the winner for the past two years.
Why I Go to School: Free Tickets!
In a move to boost Chicago Public Schools' attendance rates, the district has partnered with sports teams, radio stations, and even Southwest Airlines for the Back to School Sports Challenge. While some prizes will be handed out just for attendance, essayists can win a trip to Disney World or a chance to be a DJ on Power 92. So, kids, see how rewarding staying in school can be?
We were the Champions
It's not just the Gay Games that closed this weekend. Nope, a lower profile competition has been taking place over the past few weeks, one that did not feature Cyndi Lauper serenading its participants: the North American Bridge Championships ran from the 13th through yesterday, ultimately being won by what the Times calls "pretournament favorites." (Like you, perhaps, I have no idea what those results mean, but way to go, winners!)
Hey Ref, You're Half-Blind
Everyone knows the old adage, making fun of a bad referee by calling them blind. In the case of Bolingbrook's James Filson, he sort of is. Filson lost vision in one of his eyes in 2000, but continued to referee Big Ten Football games for five years. Filson is suing the Big Ten after being fired in 2005. He says he has the ability and right to referee the games and cites his selection to referee the Orange Bowl as proof of his quality performance.
Casting for Listeners, Looking for Podcasters
Cubscast, your source for Wrigley-related podcasting, is running a listener drive: go get 20 free Cubs postcards to pass out to your friends. Take pictures of them with their cards and you could win a video iPod. In related news, Chicago Sportscast Network is looking for some Blackhawks fans to do a podcast at Hawkscast; check the site for details and an app.
Hydration, All They Ever Needed
While temps are forecast to come down a bit as the week progresses, right now it's miserable just walking down the block. Imagine, then, that you're one of the athletes who's come half-way around the world to compete in the Gay Games triathlon or soccer or, well, take your pick really. Those folks need water to keep going, and any way you can help will be appreciated. Local businesses and individuals that can assist in the hydration effort should contact Sam Coady at 773/551-1622. Or, take the initiative and show up at the venues with water / ice / sports drinks to donate. More information on locations, schedules etc. at the website.
Summer with the Boys
The New York Times notes that the near west coast of Michigan is an increasingly gay-friendly vacation destination. So hop in a car or catch a train and have some fun.
Let the Games begin
Okay, okay, I'm trying not to harp on the Gay Games, but this is honestly one of the biggest events Chicago's seen in years (and a serious trial run for the city's 2016 Olympics hopes). It's so big, in fact, that we couldn't possibly list all of the events or even the highlights here in Slowdown; instead I'll just direct you to the schedules at the Games' site and let you know that most events are free, but tickets for those that require them can be purchased online or at the HotTix locations at the Chicago Tourism Center (72 E Randolph), the Water Works Visitor Center (163 E Pearson) and the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Have a gay old time.
Pierzynski as Puck
Earlier this year, A.J. Pierzynski ended up on GQ's list of the 10 Most Hated Athletes. Today, as the Sox face the Yankees, the New York Times delves into why, concluding that, for better or worse, and sometimes for both, "in a reality television sort of way, he might be watched more than any player in Chicago."
Pink Pennies Add Up
Back in the day, several organizations representing religious conservatives made waves about boycotting corporate sponsors of the Gay Games, scheduled to start in Chicago this weekend. According to MarketWatch, it was all for naught. Meantime, yesterday the mayor encouraged local support and spectatorship, suggesting that the event's success could bode well for the city's nascent Olympics bid.
Cross-town Smack Talk
The Chi-Town Daily News sent a camera to the Crosstown Classic at Wrigley last week to find out what Cubs and Sox fans think of each other. You can probably guess what they found. (Video, NSFW)
Take Me Out for a Veggie Burger
The Red Sox haven't made the past few games at the Cell very fun (maybe this afternoon'll be different?), but PETA says those looking for healthy stadium fare have reason to be happy: the animal rights organization listed US Cellular Field among this year's Top 10 Vegetarian-Friendly Ballparks.
Border collies vs. sea gulls
The city is piloting a program at Foster Avenue Beach to see if Wild Goose Chase's border collies can scare away sea gulls. Fewer gulls means fewer bird droppings, and the city hopes that fewer bird droppings will lead to lower e. coli levels in Lake Michigan. Here's to actually swimming at our beaches!
COPS: Bulls Mascots
A few years ago, it was Da Bull in trouble with the law, having been charged with marijuana possession. Now, it's Benny the Bull's turn. The big red mascot was arrested for allegedly punching an off-duty cop after being stopped for riding a small motorcycle through the Taste of Chicago. I bet the San Diego Chicken never had 'cuffs on.
Time to Buy that Afro Wig
Move over and maybe out, Tyson Chandler: Ben Wallace is coming to the Chicago Bulls. Wallace has reportedly signed with the Bulls for $60 million over four years. The four-time defensive player of the year should fill every defensive expectation fans had for Chandler over the years and bring a true veteran superstar to the team. This move instantly makes the Bulls real contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Carpool with the Roller Girls!
The Windy City Rollers are offerering you quick and direct access to the bout in Cicero and after-party at Liars Club. For a measly $5, you don't have to spend money on gas, get mildly frustrated with other drivers or worry about finding that primo parking spot. Meet up at Liars Club at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 9th, and then head over to the bout at 4 p.m. Then hop on board for the after-party! Buy tickets now.
Tragedy at Northwestern
Last night, tragedy befell the Northwestern University family as football coach Randy Walker died of an apparent heart attack. Walker was only 52 years old and was about to enter his eighth season at NU. He had recently been granted a contract extension through 2011 for his stellar work in leading NU to 14-10 conference record over the past three years. No information on services or donations to the family has been noted.
Fans Against Mariotti
No one can support the recent language chosen by Sox' Manager Ozzie Guillen to describe Sun-Times columnist Jay Marriotti. A lot of Chicagoans, however, can and do support the sentiment. Jaythejoke.com's purpose is to expose Marriotti as a fraud and unite Cubs' and Sox' fans in mutual dislike for the controversial columnist. The new-ish blog was featured in a recent Tribune column.
Switching Sides
The success of the White Sox and the dismal collapse of the Cubs have had effects far beyond the MLB standings: in some cases, it's turning family members against each other as the South Siders draw not-so-die-hard Cubs fans into their fold. In Richard Roeper's new book, Sox and the City, he has a word for them: biSoxual. Watch this page for an mp3 of Roeper's appearance on 848 this morning discussing the potential sea change in the Sox' fandom fortunes. (Thanks, Roni)
Not So Bad At Sports After All
Remember when you played kickball in gym and the artsy kids and the nerds always got picked last? Well, so do ThreeWalls Gallery, StopSmiling Magazine and Bad at Sports, and they're gonna show you what you missed out on this Saturday, July 1, from noon till 6pm at the Wicker Park kickball field. Four teams (The Mullets, the West Town Banditos, Record Players and the West Loop Flyers) will compete for the ArtLeague Kickball championship trophy. Afterparty and awards ceremony at Smoke Daddy. More details in Slowdown.
World Cup in Five
The US is out of the World Cup running, and our Fire in Five columnist is back stateside with some reflections on the national team and its surprisingly vocal fans. Read about it in Sports in Five.
Couch on Doing the Right Thing
AfterElton.com runs an interview with Greg Couch today in which he describes himself as "disgusted" by the way the press and others have turned the 'Ozzie Guillen said something he shouldn't have' issue into a 'Jay Marriotti brought it on himself' issue. Couch was one of few reporters to call foul on the Sox manager for using "fag" as a slur; he says, "I'm just doing what I'm supposed to."
Photos from Go Skateboarding Day
I don't follow up on skateboarding like I used to so it was a pleasant surprise to hear about last week's Go Skateboarding Day. You can live vicariously through these Flickr photo sets: here and here.
Chicagoans Want 2016 Olympics
That is, at least, according to a survey compiled by the firm that completed Mayor Daley's political polling. The survey shows that nearly 80% of Cook County residents want Chicago to host the games. With the need for a stadium larger than Soldier Field to host, the idea of a collapsible stadium has gained steam. As to what a collapsible stadium really is? That's anyone's guess.
Selig Schools Ozzie
The White Sox thought Ozzie Guillen's apology for "the slur" was enough. Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig disagreed. He fined Guillen an undisclosed amount and ordered the Sox' manager to sensitivity training.
"I'm Still Waiting for Jay"
Dear "Those People," I wasn't talking about you when I used an anti-gay epithet earlier this week to describe someone I don't like. I was just using it to question his courage and manliness; you know how it is. So, yeah, we cool? -- Ozzie
Ozzie Guillen, Homophobe?
What does it mean for the White Sox manager, speaking in a relatively official capacity, to call a reporter a "fag"? While the organization's VP of communications calls it "insensitive," Sun-Times columnist Greg Couch seems more apt to call it inexcusable.
Skate on State
On the train to downtown this morning I saw a couple people carrying skateboards but didn't think much about it. Then I found out that today is Wild in the Streets, an annual global skating event. Today in Chicago, a large group of skateboarders will be meeting at Buckingham Fountain to skate through downtown Chicago to thank the city for planning to build a new skating area in Millennium Park. The event begins at the fountain at 2:00 PM, all skaters are welcome, and to try and draw a huge crowd the organizers of the event will be bringing some members of Emerica's skate team. So if names like Andrew Reynolds and Ed Templeton get you all excited, you know where you gotta be today.
No Bean? You're Outta Here
Hear about Sox coach Ozzie Guillen sending a rookie pitcher back to the minors for not hitting a batter? Not surprisingly, it's causing a bit of a stir in Chicago and elsewhere.
Chicagoan Racing Across America
Local ultracyclist Bryce Walsh is competing in the grueling Race Across America (RAAM) and doing pretty well. He's in fifth place as he crosses the Rocky Mountains. (How grueling? "Riders consume 6,000-8,000 calories a day of food and take in [3.1 - 4 gallons of fluid]..." and "serious solo contenders planned to average of 90-120 minutes sleep in each 24-hour period during their ride." Whoa.)
Hemon Blogs the World Cup
Franklin Foer, author of How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization, is blogging the World Cup for the New Republic online. And, he's getting a little help from his friends, including critically acclaimed Chicago author--and football fan--Aleksandar Hemon.
Retire Wrigley's Scoreboard?
Despite the cute-the-first-time-you-heard-it radio ad touting its charm and benefits, Eric Benderoff thinks it's time for Wrigley Field's human-run scoreboard to go. Helpfully, the owners have asked for your opinion.
Who *doesn't* love beach volleyball?
I know where I'll be every Sunday this summer--making a fool out of myself at beach volleyball! But if you are more serious and want to join a league, you can do it here. There are even co-ed teams if you want to, y'know, meet people.
Jay Mariotti Has an Anti-Posse
Sun-Times sportswriter Jay Mariotti has raised the ire of many a fan over the years, so it's not surprising to find a hate site out there. Jay the Joke is your one-stop shop for columnist-bashing.
Bike Tour 2K6!
Friends and Chicagoans Andrea and Ira saved money for a year, resigned from their jobs and left for the open road a little over a week ago. On their bikes. They're riding around the country for a year. You can keep up to date and check up on them as they post on the road from the weblog. Earlier posts are informative — lots of information on prepping for such an adventure. I'm jealous too — they look insanely happy.
House Organ or Newspaper?: You Make The Call
In light of recently alleged attempts by Cubs management to intervene in Tribune coverage, Steve Rhodes of the Beachwood Reporter sounds off on the conflicts of interest endemic to a media outlet owning a sports team. (He comes to some harsh conclusions. The words "misguided and mediocre management" get used. For both the team and the paper.)
Sky Hook a Win, Force Crushes Iowa
Our new WNBA team, the Chicago Sky, won their debut game Saturday against the Charlotte Sting 83-82. The Sky snuck by on three free-throws by Jia Perkins at the very end of the game. Not to be outdone, the Chicago Force women's football team beat the Iowa Crush 20-6. Catch the Force at home on the 27th against Detroit.
Dream the Impossible Dream
After the Chicago marathon every year (as a spectator), I see those LaSalle mylar blankets and think, "Man, I could never run a marathon!" But au contraire: the Chicago Area Runners Association sponsors an 18-week traning program (starting at the end of June) that will get you ready to run 26.2 miles with the best of 'em. See their site for more info.
A Hazy Shade of Wildcat
Not long after suspending its women's soccer team, Northwestern has announced charges of hazing against the men's swim team and the school's mascot program. Meantime, soccer alums deny a tradition of hazing, and the university warns against posting potentially compromising photos on Facebook, MySpace and other sharing sites. The Times has more from a national perspective.
Beautiful Game Turns Ugly
The Associated Press reports that Northwestern has suspended its women's soccer team in light of hazing allegations. Website BadJocks.com posted a number of photographs it attributes to "a public picture sharing site," and the story develops.
Negro League Players Pensions Upheld
Mike Colbern, a Chicago White Sox catcher in 1978-79, and two other baseball players filed a lawsuit claiming that Major League Baseball was committing "reverse discrimination" for giving about two dozen Negro League players pensions and medical benefits. A federal appeals court ruled last week that the players from the Negro Leauges were entitled to continue receiving payments while white players who didn't meet MLB's length-of-play requirements were not. The judge ruled that there was no unfair treatment and even if there was, MLB has the right to make up for past injustices.
On the Sporting Life
After 30 years, Sun-Times sports columnist Ron Rapoport wrapped up his career earlier this month. In an interview with Scott Simon, he looks back on some of the greater (and the smaller) moments of the past three decades.
Ben Gordon, Mixologist
Bulls guard Ben Gordon is the first NBA player with his own energy drink. Gordon signed with start-up H3Enterprises to create BG7, a white tea-based concoction expected to be on store shelves later this year.
Don't Stop Bean-lieving
The hometown team for the upcoming 2006 Gay Games has unveiled its logo and uniform. They'll be in powder blue, with what looks sort of like the band Chicago's signature typeface overlaid on Cloud Gate.
Internet Answers Tough Sports Questions
Which Chicago sports team is the most popular? In Chicago, it's the Cubs. In Naperville, it's the Bears. Only in Canada do the Hawks come out on top.
Bike and Eat
Registration is ongoing for three Chicagoland Bicycle Federation-sponsored rides that combine food and biking. In June, Veggie Bike and Cook features lunch and a cooking class as part of a ride that runs from River North to Lincoln Square. In July, Veggie Bike and Dine incorporates tasty stops in a ride from Evanston to Edgewater and Progressive Bike and Dine tours the near west suburbs. Each ride requires advance registration, which costs $30 to $35. Learn more here.
Hat Day At Arlington Park
This weekend will bring the annual opening day at Arlington Park. In addition to races, "southern fried rock", and the usual fun that accompanies horse races, the park is also hosting a hat contest to compete with the famous haberdashery found at that other race in Kentucky. Show up on Saturday with a "fashion hat" and you're eligible for a trip to Kentucky, not to mention free admission to watch the ponies...
Big in Japan
Sumo wrestling is finally escaping its Japanese borders and making a push into the States with the new World Sumo League, run by the WWE's ex-CFO. How much fun will it be to watch mountainous men push each other around inside a circle? We'll find out May 27, when the national tour hits the Allstate Arena. Tickets go on sale this Friday; follow the phenomenon at WorldSumoLeague.com, an unofficial site run by local blogger Matt Maldre.
Playing for The Chicago Machine
There's a lot of potential writing jobs out there for those who like talking about local sports teams, including new ones like the Chicago Machine, our newly formed professional men's lacrosse team. They're looking for a writer, so if you know your lacrosse facts, let them know. Or if you want to be a part of their dance team, they're looking for some of those positions as well.
Cubs Bleachers for Sale
Reader Kurt writes, "I probably shouldn't be telling anyone about this since it just means 'competition,' but I'm feeling generous." The Cubs will be holding a "garage sale" this Saturday from 8am to 4pm. Available items will include Wrigley Field bricks, sections of the old bleachers, game-used equipment, and Kerry Woods' arm. Proceeds will go to charity.
Sky Bloggers Wanted
Funny Kris should mention it: The WNBA just so happens to be looking for some bloggers to write about the Chicago Sky (and other teams). Fill out this application and you could be one of them.
Blogging the national pastime
With baseball back in full swing and both Chicago teams looking good, it's time to check in on the sports blogs. The aptly-named Agony & Ivy is a well-written one-year-old Cubs diary written mainly by a Chicago ex-pat living in Austin. South Side Sox provides trenchant daily analysis of the World Series champs. What about our other summer sports? Any Chicago Fire sites with breathless reports on the new Bridgeview Stadium? And who'll have the first blog about the Chicago Sky?
More Hockey
As if Chicago needed another sports team: The Hounds will be joining the minor league UHL this fall, playing at the under-construction Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates.
Bulls Pull Through
Hey! The Bulls clinched their spot in the playoffs last night! If you were waiting to get your playoff tickets, now would be the time.
Gay Games Registration Filling Up
The Gay Games will open at Soldier Field on July 15, three months from tomorrow. Accordingly, tomorrow's the last day for registration before late fees start kicking in. With 10,000 competitors from 45 countries already signed up, director Brian McGuinness says rates thus far have exceeded expectations. In the end, organizers anticipate 12,000 athletes, as well as coaches, fans and families, will participate in the event.
Remembering Maggie Dixon
West Point womens' basketball coach Maggie Dixon was remembered at a memorial service yesterday in North Hollywood, California after dying last week of a sudden arrythmic episode. The ceremony was attended by 1200 mourners, including the basketball teams of both West Point and DePaul, where Dixon was an assistant coach for five years before being named head coach for Army just before the start of the last season. After a 5-7 start, Dixon took the Army team to a 20-11 record and the Patriot League championship, earning West Point its first-ever appearance in the womens' NCAA tournament last month. She and her brother Jamie, the mens' coach at Pitt, became the first brother and sister to coach in the NCAA tournament in the same year. Jamie, 11 years her elder, said Tuesday, "I've said this before—when I grow up I want to be just like her." Maggie Dixon will be buried Friday at West Point; she was 28.
"Smack dab between Wrigley Field and U.S. Cellular"
Before baseball fever fully embraces- slash-chokes the region, lend an ear to this well-made case for basketball as the lifeblood of the American city, Chicago included (McSweeney's via FreeDarko).
Gay Games rowers cross another hurdle
The City Council of far northwest suburb Crystal Lake last night approved by a 6-1 vote the request by the organizers of this summer's Gay Games to hold a rowing event on the lake, a matter which came under contention in hearings before the Crystal Lake Park District last month and brought national attention to McHenry County. Last night's council meeting featured many supporters and only one resident speaking against the event, who told WGN News that "I don't hate gay people; I just think it's a gay agenda event." The Games still need to gain the approval of neighboring township Lakewood, which shares jurisdiction of the man-made lake.
Are you ready for some football?
Forget about the Bears, I'm talking about the Force, the Chicago Force. In a move that makes me tickled pink, these kick-ass and ass-kicking women are going to be hosting this season's wins at the Lane Tech Stadium at 2501 W. Addison (on Addison near Western). The season opener is April 29th at 3pm, order your $8 tickets online.
Fire in Five?
Any soccer fans out there interested in writing about the Fire for Sports in Five? Email samples to me at ah@gapersblock.com. UPDATE: We've found a writer. Thanks to all who applied!
Callin' 'Em What They Are
Cubs fans have touted their ballpark as old fashioned and advertising-free for years, but that image took a major hit as the Cubs signed a deal with Anheuser-Busch. The bleachers have always had a major presence from Bud Light, but now it's official: they've been named the Bud Light Bleachers.
It's Total Mania
While cold Soldier Field will never host a SuperBowl, and the United Center won't be hosting a Final Four anytime soon, Chicago (more specifically Rosemont) will be hosting a major sporting event this Sunday. OK, technically it's sports-entertainment, but Wrestlemania 22 comes to the All-State Arena. Chuckle all you want at the WWE; tickets are fetching upwards of $1000 from scalpers.
Payton Jewels Pawned
One of Walter Payton's Hall of Fame Rings and a replica Super Bowl Ring, stolen from Walter Payton's American Brew Pub, have been recovered at an Aurora Pawn Shop. The two rings were pawned for $150.
Run! Not Just When Chased!
Does the warming weather make you want to strap on those tennies and get moving? You're not alone. There are a ton of folks at the Chicago Area Runners Association who would love to help you become a real runner. There are training sessions for half-marathons, 5Ks, 10Ks, and even training for those new to training, and they all get started pretty soon. You really wanted an excuse to buy those funky sweat bands anyway (short shorts optional).
Sports Ahoy!
It a big season for sports: the Cubs and Sox are in Spring training, March Madness is on the verge, and the Bulls... well, at least we have baseball to look forward to. Read all about it in this week's gigantic Sports in Five.
Kirby Puckett, RIP
Kirby Puckett, Hall-of-Fame center fielder for the Minnesota Twins who grew up in a Chicago housing project, died of a stroke yesterday at age 45. UPDATE: More from the Tribune and Sun-Times.
"You'll Suck (But There's Also a Bar)"
It typically takes the Olympics for Americans to think of curling, and GB is no different: Cinnamon gave a shout for the Chicago Curling Club a couple weeks ago. If you missed the open house she mentioned, Chris Sprow of the Chicago Sports Review went as your proxy, and, well, it doesn't sound like it was pretty.
Hurtful Name-calling
So, Sox GM Kenny Williams and former Sox DH Frank Thomas have been having words. Frank feels disrespected, and over the weekend Kenny called him an idiot. The Sun-Times' Roman Modrowski thinks both of them need to move past the "6th grade level." (Wisely, Ozzie Guillen is staying out of it.)
Psst...
While northside ticketseekers are currently lined up outside Wrigley or glued to their computer screens, single-game tickets to see the World Champion Chicago White Sox are readily available. They might be the better investment: tickets to the Sox opener are commanding a higher price than those of the Cubs.
Take me out to the wristband
Cubs fans, it's time once again to get your wristbands! You have until 10:00 tonight to stop by Wrigley Field and pick up a wristband that will determine your place in line tomorrow morning at 6:00, when the starting number is called for the head of the line. If you were planning on sitting this season's ticket sale out, you might reconsider; according to the Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue, the lines haven't been as long for this year's wristbands, which means fewer people in line for tickets tomorrow morning.
8-month Chicago winters pay off in Turin
Some of the area's recent Winter Olympics medalists: Benjamin Agosto (ice dancing) and, for the second time, Shani Davis (speed skating). More on Davis here.
"I Think Skating's Awesome"
In recognition of Black History Month, today's Sun-Times runs a list of Chicago's Top 10 Black Sports Heroes. Those included range from Air Jordan to boxer Jack Johnson. But, the next iteration of this list may well need to make room for speed skater and South Sider Shani Davis, who yesterday became the first African-American to win individual gold in the Winter Games.
No More Wolf With Fox
Love him or hate him, zany sports guy Bruce Wolf is a staple in Chicago sports journalism. Having worked at FOX Chicago for 18 years, Wolf was fired this week with no explanation given by either party. Sadly, like so much else, the Trib speculates it was about money.
Chicagoans @ Torino
Forgive me if you've heard this already, but there's gotta be some Chicago in Torino, right? Enter: ice hockey player Chris Chelios, ski jumper Georgi Zharkov and speed skater Shani Davis. Good luck, you guys!
Not Everyone Loves Harry
Unlike legions of Cubs and old school Sox fans, Milo Hamilton doesn't like Harry Caray...at all. Hamilton, the long-time broadcaster of the Houston Astros & former Cubs announcer, calls Caray a "miserable human being" in his recently published memoirs.
Where The Action Is
If you'd like to be part of the Windy City Rollers but, for some reason, can't join a team (ie, Y chromosome), here's your chance. The WCR is seeking referee applicants, and the only prerequisites are an age of 21+, "a love of sports and strong women," and some free time. Contact Mob Hit Molly for more information (and read up on the nuances of the game here).
South Side High School Evacuated
This afternoon, students from Chicago Vocational Career Academy were evacuated after a large fight broke out inside the building. The students have since returned to the school through metal detectors.
Does Not Play Well With Others
One distinction the White Sox would probably be happy without: catcher A.J. Pierzynski's spot on GQ's list of 10 Most Hated Athletes. (Sure enough, as the authors claim, plug it into Google, and Pierzynski shows up as the no. 1 "clubhouse cancer" result.)
Game for Inclusion
Over 8,000 athletes, representing over 30 countries, have already signed up for this year's Gay Games VII. Registration for sailing and golf are both near capacity, and festival organizers foresee ice hockey slots going quickly, too. Visit www.gaygameschicago.org to register as an athlete, performer, volunteer, official, or spectator. Chicago Games, Inc. (the Games' local host organization) will host a Town Hall Meeting this Friday, February 3.
Big Hurt in White Cleats
While most White Sox fans already knew that Frank Thomas would not be back with the team in 2006, those thoughts were solidified as the Sox career leader in nearly every offensive category signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday. The trade for Jim Thome and re-signing of Paul Konerko left no room for Thomas, who can only DH at this point in his storied career.
We're so bad, we know we're good
The 1985 Chicago Bears are the greatest football team of all time. How do we know this? Because the Illinois General Assembly passed legislation yesterday officially naming the '85 Bears the greatest ever. So to all the other football teams out there: too late! We called it! Also in the bill: a designation naming November 2005 (that is, November of last year) as "1985 Chicago Bears Championship Month". So all you time-travellers out there, hop back 2 months and enjoy the citywide celebration! Those of you stuck in the present, relive the magic by watching The Super Bowl Shuffle at IFILM.
Lacrosse by Jake
Major League Lacrosse (MLL) announced the newest Chicago professional sports team today, the Chicago Machine. MLL was totally founded by Jake "Body by Jake" Steinfeld. The Chicago Machine's head coach Kevin Finneran has this dream for the team: two guys meet in a bar, and "...one guy asks, 'Who won the Machine game last night?' The other guy says, 'Da Machine.'"
Your 2006 Sox, Handicapped
Phil Rogers lists five reasons the White Sox could repeat in the World Series this year -- and five reasons they might not. Via 1838 Miles to Tucson, the Chi-Town Daily News' Sox blog. (Donate here to help send C-TDN's sportswriters to spring training.)
Players in the Stands, Again
From Jason Maslanka, our intrepid Bulls columnist: "During last night's Bulls win over the Knicks in overtime, former Bull Antonio Davis climbed over the scorer's table and into the stands where he believed his wife was being harrassed by intoxicated fans. The moment was eerily similar to the start of last year's Pacers-Pistons brawl, but luckily, this occassion featured nothing more than some conversation and dirty looks."
Useless Sports Trivia - Wow Your Friends!
From the GB Dept. of Useless Trivia: many people blame the Cubs for the phrase "Out in left field." Why is that? There used to be a mental institution near left field. And who knew that the Blackhawks used to play in a former Confederate prison?
Bear Down, Study Up
The Trib has put together an informative mini-site dedicated to the Bears, where you can learn about the players, positions and plays. This could be considered a handy little study guide for any "bandwagon jumpers," not than any of you are, of course.
26 Miles in 10 Months
If one of your resolutions this year was to run the marathon, you can put your money where your mouth is and register now. Not that investing the $90 will make you go through with it, but a person's gotta start somewhere. This year's race is scheduled for October 22.
Love that Lovie
Bears coach Lovie Smith was named the AP's NFL Coach of the Year today, edging out Indianapolis' Tony Dungy. Smith, who turned the Bears around from 5-11 to 11-5 this season even in the midst of a quarterback crisis, joins the company of former Bears coaches of the year George Halas and Mike Ditka. The Bears are enjoying a first-round bye this weekend before facing one of three teams next week depending on wild-card outcomes (UPDATE: it'll be Carolina, Sunday at 3:30).
We're #1!
Men's Fitness magazine has released their annual list of the top 25 fittest and fattest cities in the US. Baltimore is America's fittest city. Chicago is America's fattest city, up from #5 in last year's list.
Midnight Yoga
Tomorrow night, skip the crobar-type madness you're planning, and head over to Bloom Yoga for Midnight Yoga. Eric Jeffers will lead a candlelight class accompanied by live music from Dan Godston of the Ways & Means Trio. Refreshments will follow the class. Bloom recommends pre-registration.
Da Bearscast
Our Bears in Five columnists, Craig Aichele and Ramsin Canon, love the Monsters of the Midway so much they've started doing a weekly podcast for the Chicago Sportscast Network: Bearscast.
Chicago's Polar Bear Swim
If you still want to get one final swim in (or be the first in the lake for the new year), the details for the 7th Annual Polar Bear Swim have been released.
LAPD is Family Friendly
The Los Angeles Police Department is sponsoring the volleyball competition at next year's Gay Games VII. Why, you might ask? They plan on doing a little recruitment while they're in town.
More Than Just Steel Mills
Lake Claremont Press's Chicago reminds us that Northwest Indiana is more than just steel mills. There are a variety of suggestions for winter fun in the Hoosier state, including a self-guided tour of Hammond, Ind. for A Christmas Story fans. Writer Jean Shephard grew up in Hammond and based the film on his hometown.
Oh Yes He Did!
If you missed Dennis Rodman's signing this afternoon at the Michigan Ave. Borders, Oh No They Didn't! has some pictures. Rodman's on the road supporting his new memoir (which makes what? three? four?), and authors appearing in Elvira drag is apparently the latest in book marketing. Or something.
Yoga is Hot
And the competition is about to heat up. Next weekend in Naperville, all the best Bikram Yogis (Bikram is ideally practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees) from Chicago will compete for a bid to the 3rd International Yoga Asana Championship 2006. Participants will be judged on seven poses within three minutes. Check Bikram Yoga Chicago's site for the competition details, and the dish about Bikram.
Chi XC Cup
The very last of the Chicago Cyclocross Cup races happens this Sunday, 10am at Montrose Harbor: The Illinois State Championship. What is cyclocross you ask? Watch women and men get down and dirty as they go up and down Cricket Hill and bike and then run and then bike around a muddy course. Yes, it's a legitimate cycling race. And hey, you get 10 extra points if you cross-dress for the finals this Sunday! What's not to love?
We're Keeping Konerko
Paul Konerko signed a 5-year, $60 million deal to stay with the White Sox yesterday. You can relax now.
Da Bears: Ride A Bike!
Here's a nice little story from August about how the Bears, working in conjunction with a local bike store, donated some bicycles they didn't need any longer to local youth south of Chicago. The best part: the whole reason they had the bikes in the first place was to get coaches up out of the golf carts to be more active. "It's pretty hard to preach getting in shape when you're riding around in golf carts."
On, Specialized and Cannondale!
This morning's snow makes for a good time to remember BikeWinter's events, designed to keep you cycling year-round.
"The Zenith of Indian and Jewish Life"
I've spent the last three days trying to establish what, exactly, is offensive about this (there must be something), but I've come up dry, so I guess I can recommend the sixth annual Indo Jew Bowl as wholesome Thanksgiving entertainment. Sikh and Semite alike don fantastic jerseys and go head-to-head to establish who the pillars of the community really are. It all goes down at noon at Niles North High School, with a canned-food drive and t-shirt sales to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina. Best fan query: "If the Indos win, will there be a trip to New Delhi? If the Jews win, will there be a trip to the new deli on Oakton?"
Da Monsters of the Gridiron
We give you Sports in Five once a week. Say, though, you want more. One of Deadspin's recurring features is running down "Blogdom's Best"; today, it tackles the Bears.
I Always Thought Of It More As Girlstown
It will come to the surprise of just about no one that Cheetah ranks among Gay.com's most gay-popular gyms. What may surprise you (but perhaps shouldn't given the way the national media can't seem to get details about Chicago right lately) is that Boystown "surrounds" Andersonville.
Bear-on-Bear violence
The news out of the Bears camp this weekend wasn't all rainbows and record-setting touchdown runs. Offensive linemen Fred Miller and Olin Kreutz admitted yesterday that Kreutz broke Miller's jaw in a fight on a day off last week; they'd been covering it up by claiming Miller hurt himself in a fall at home. Details of what happened are still sketchy: the Tribune story says the two "spent the off day at an FBI shooting range in North Chicago," and that tension escalated "as more alcohol was consumed." Y'all, I can't help but think that if you've got a bunch of pro football players getting liquored up at a shooting range and a broken jaw is the worst thing that happens, that's a good day.
The Longest Drive
Bears cornerback Nathan Vasher caught a failed field-goal attempt by the 49ers yesterday near the back of the endzone, and ended up running it all the way for a touchdown, cementing the team's fifth win in a row. The 108-yard drive is the longest touchdown play in the history of the NFL.
Sox Series Stats
Eighty-eight years, 1,064 batters, 518 pitchers... ESPN.com's Useless Information Department compiles the figures separating then from now.
A+++!!! Would Parade Again!
Get your own (admittedly wispy) piece of White Sox history: ticker tape from today's parade is already appearing on eBay. Or, you know, head down to the parade route and scrounge for some yourself.
A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Fun
Today's New York Times gets itself all tangled up about just what the White Sox win means. You know, in a metaphysical sense. While the sports section quotes fans using the word "redemption," on the Op-Ed page, Studs Terkel isn't so sure. My read on this? Celebrate now, cogitate later. To that end, who doesn't love a parade?! The forecast calls for ticker tape showers, starting at noon.
We Are the Champions
I doubt we have to tell you this, but...
THE WHITE SOX WON THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!
All Those Useless Letters
Ever wonder why the Sox aren't the Socks? Wonder no more. Slate's "Explainer" takes a look at the early 20th century's rather strange linguistic priorities.
Last-Ditch Goatees
As the Astros struggle against the Sox, they've decided to switch things up a bit, see if they can gain some traction. To that end, they're shaving their beards. Which, you know, is sure to make all the difference.
Sox Fans Interact
White Sox Interactive is required reading during the World Series. Especially the forums, where fans let it all hang out in threads such as "You Write Tomorrow's Cubune Headline" and "Moments of Unintentional Humor."
Ignore the Sox, America
"The thing is, while the rest of the country might believe in baseball curses, Chicago White Sox fans don't. We don't blame a curse for our team's shortcomings, don't possess a sanguine 'Maybe next year' attitude when we fail. When we stink, we stink." Friend of GB Claire Zulkey's excellent column in today's Wall Street Journal Online. (Via Coudal, who's rooting for both teams tomorrow ...sort of.)
"I don't know if I'm a leader, but I have the biggest mouth"
In our continuing Ozzie Guillen coverage, the Washington Post profiles Ozzie today, complete with a rich repository of postseason Ozzie quotes. As Deadspin reports, "it's 90 percent Ozzie goodness and 10 percent beleaguered PR reps trying to settle him down."
I Wanna Be Like Ozzie
The World Series kicks off tomorrow, but the city is getting all dressed up today: there's a Sox hat on the Picasso sculpture and on the Art Institute's lions, other public art pieces are donning white socks, and supposedly 20,000 Ozzie Guillen masks are being passed out around town today. [Update: according to the Red Eye, the masks will be handed out on Saturday at Daley Plaza, around US Cellular Field and at the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau centers at 77 E. Randolph and 165 E. Pearson. No word on times. (Thanks, Claire and Rachelle)]
Slam!
Still in shock that several thousand White Sox tickets sold out in 18 minutes on Tuesday? The World Series apparently does not hold a candle to Wrestlemania. Tickets for Wrestlemania 22, to be held in Chicago on April 2nd of next year at the Allstate Arena, were put on sale last week -- and sold out in less than two minutes. And that was 15,000 tickets, people. Time to trade in your Sox jersey for a vintage Hulkamania T-shirt.
Where Everyone's a Superstar
Crunch Gyms' current membership promotion (Pay as You Go) reeks of cell phone plans made popular by wireless frontrunners T-Mobile and Virgin. But lousy marketing doesn't mean Crunch isn't super cool (it is). Current group fitness classes underway at Chicago Crunches include these innovative experiences: Crumpin' and Clownin', The Morning After Workout and BYOB (Bring Your Own Boyfriend) Yoga.
Sports in Five
Over there on the right, you'll notice a new column in Airbags: we've expanded Cubs & Sox in Five into Sports in Five. This week, it's just Sox and Bears, but the Bulls should be joining soon. We're also casting about for a hockey columnist -- email a sample to inbox@gapersblock.com if you're interested.
Truncated dedications
There's a new playground going in at Holstein Park; as a fundraiser, people can purchase a brick [PDF] for $75 with a message on it. Or so they believed: The Week Behind has a story about how many of the messages were trimmed down to just a name, without the knowledge or consent of the buyers.
Ride Irish
Here's unique way to combine city history and biking: Urbs in Horto is running its second annual Irish Chicago Bike Tour this Sunday, a liesurely 20-mile ride touring neighborhoods and locations important to the history of Irish in the city. $20 gets you the ride, a limited-edition silkscreen poster, dinner and music afterward and benefits Old Saint Patrick's SAFE program. Register for the ride here -- space is limited.
Whiteout
Even as White Sox fans mobbed the airport to welcome their division champion team home, local Red Sox fans had a weekend that was a bit less joyous. Jose Contreras will start at pitcher tomorrow night as Chicago guns for the American League title; game time is 7pm.
Kenyans still kicking marathon's ass
Congratulations to Kenyan runner Felix Limo, the winner of this year's Chicago Marathon. Limo beat out fellow Kenyan runner Evans Rutto, who has won the Chicago race in the last two years. In the women's category, American Deena Kastor beat out the defending champ, Romanian Constantina Domescu-Dita. Way to go, Deena! Not competing in the race, even though she signed up for it: runaway bride Jennifer Wilbanks. If you look up her time in the race results, you'll see that she didn't even record a time. Perhaps she ran to Albuquerque again?
Blame the Messenger
In an interesting riposte to Andrew's earlier note about lack of coverage of the Wrigley renovation, the Tribune quotes our mayor as "acknowledging" Chicago is a Cubs town, despite his White Sox allegiances. To blame? Well, according to Daley, none other than the Tribune and its all-encompassing media blanket. [via]
Wrigley Makeover Begins
Overshadowed (and rightly so) by the White Sox playoff performance, the start of Wrigley Field renovations has been reduced to a footnote -- the Tribune didn't even mention it. The right field wall has been opened up to begin construction of an expanded bleacher section. (Thanks, Brandon)
Hawk Hacks Competition
Writes FoGB Greg: "Just as the Pale Hose are turning it on at the right time, Ken 'Hawk' Harrelson is rolling through the field in The Road From Bristol's NIT, determining 'the most loathsome national sports broadcaster not on ESPN.' After besting Seth Davis, Steve Lyons, and Magic Johnson by a combined 112-27, Hawk's semifinal opponent is FOX Sports sideline reporter Tony Siragusa, who, after fending off a tough Bryant Gumbel, plowed through Howie Long and Chip Caray, 33-1 and 26-5. The other semifinal matchup is a battle of color commentators: FOX baseball's Tim McCarver against CBS basketball's Billy Packer."
Flower Power, Man
The Garfield Park Conservatory's workshops include a hatha-tantric yoga class taught by Seder Olcer. Held in the giant Horticulture Hall, classes are $12 each. Talk about taking the hatha-tantra technique triad (breath, thought, and seed) literally.
Wax On, Wax Off, Palatine
If you'd like to see the best of what the Karate world has to offer, this Saturday and Sunday brings the World Shotokan Karate Championship to Harper College in Palatine. Might be better than watching Bruce Lee on cable.
A Sports Fan's Dream Come True
Ever want to be a sportscaster? Now's your chance: The masterminds behind the popular Cubscast podcast are expanding with the Chicago Sportscast Network, and they're holding open auditions for commentators on the White Sox, Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks. Head over to the site to find out how to apply.
"Wrigley Should Never Be Closed! EVER!!!"
Billy Corgan's got some strong opinions about the Cubs. And, apparently, even stronger ones about Wrigley Field. There's the heritage, for one thing, and don't get him started about the music. [via]
The Dazzle Shoulders Hit a Snag
No doubt the folks in Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association flag football leagues play as rough and tumble as anyone else, but there's also the important detail of looking good doing so. Sometimes, however, it seems having a queer eye just isn't enough.
Hello Sky
And now it's time for news no one expects me to know: Today the Chicago WNBA made their debut, announcing their team name and colors. They will be the Chicago Sky, sporting (what else?) sky-blue and a nice sunny-yellow. Not bad choices, given what other city-inspired colors one might potentially dream up (Beneath-the-Tracks Brown, anyone?). The team starts playing at the UIC Pavillion in May 2006.
Broad Shoulders Broadsided
Outsports gives in-depth coverage to the difficult decision faced by GLBT athletes and their teams next year: Chicago's Gay Games or Montréal's Outgames? An interesting detail in the extensive article: the fledgling Q Television plans to unscramble its signal so non-subscribers worldwide can watch the eight days of the Chicago event (while the channel currently has limited availability, it plans to expand significantly by next July). If you'd like to help make the (local) Games a success, there are several volunteer orientation sessions in the near future; details here.
Put It On the Board
Sports blog Braves Journal is running a bracketed tournament called The Road From Bristol to determine who was the "Most Loathsome Personality on ESPN". With Stuart "Boo-yah!" Scott claiming that dubious title, the RFB folks are now aiming at a new target: "Most Loathsome National Sports Broadcaster Not on ESPN." Today's matchup is White Sox broadcaster Ken "Hawk" Harrelson (who's popular enough to have his own hate site) versus CNN/SI commentator Seth Davis. Vote in the comments. (Thanks, Greg)
Ride While There's Still Time!
It’s hard to believe right now, but this beautiful cycling weather won’t be around forever. Enjoy it while it lasts, and join the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation’s Boulevard Lakefront Tour, which takes place tomorrow. You have until 6PM tonight to register, and can sign up (and pay) online using this form. It’s true that tomorrow’s expected to be a hot one, but how hot can it be at 6 in the morning (when the ride starts)? Details in Slowdown.
Cubs in Five
We've added a new column to Airbags: Cubs in Five. Each week until the end of the Cubs season, Jeff Webber is giving you five talking points for those inevitable chats around the water cooler or at the bar. (If someone would like to write one for the Sox, contact me at inbox@gapersblock.com.)
Rally panties?
Yes, rally panties. Whatever it takes, I guess. They should send some to the Cubs.
Crosstown Classic In the Making
Reader Evan says, "I guess the Windy City Rollers couldn't satisfy this city's insatiable appetite for girls wrastling on rollerskates." The Chi-Town Sirens are recruiting for a rival roller derby league tonight at 9pm at Leila Jane's, 1008 W. Armitage.
What you're doing next year
Coming to Chicago next April: WrestleMania 22. You're going, right?
Wishin' and hopin' and prayin' and hatin'
Cubs fans, you're not alone. Anne Ursu, a long-time supporter of the Twins, writes in Salon today about her soul-corroding hate of the White Sox, hate only escalated by the Sox' successes this year. Ursu tries to work herself through the Kubler-Ross stages of grieving, and, well, she tries.
Breakin' a Sweat
It's not often you get the opportunity to get in shape and improve your dancefloor moves. Breakdance Chicago offers lessons, and they're guaranteed to be hipper than that Jazzercize class at the Y.
No Postseason for Chief Illiniwek?
The NCAA has just announced that it will not allow schools to use names or images of American Indian mascots at postseason tournaments, starting this year. This could mean a revision is in the future for University of Illinois' mascot Chief Illiniwek, who seems to be an annual source of debate. A quick google turns up plenty of sites devoted to keeping and retiring the Chief, which, in the end, will be a decision left up to the school.
"Holy Cow!" and Other Cubs Clichés
Cubscast, is running a contest: call the podcast's hotline at 773-828-4396 and do an impression of any Cubs broadcaster, past or present. The best impression will receive an autographed copy of Cubs Nation: 162 Games. 162 Stories. 1 Addiction by Gene Wojciechowski. Read the rules here.
LAX on attire
During their visit to the White House last week, Northwestern's NCAA Champion Women's Lacrosse team appeared in a photograph with President Bush. Several of the athletes were wearing flip-flops, a gaffe that has since created a minor controversy. Yesterday, in an interview on NBC's Today show, their coach announced some of the now-infamous shoes would be auctioned to benefit a 10-year old New York girl who became one of the team's biggest supporters this year, despite having a brain tumor. The auction, which starts today, will be held via the NUSports.com.
Bex Spotting
Keep your eye out for soccer superstar David Beckham; he and Real Madrid are in town for a Saturday game against Mexico's Chivas at Soldier Field. It's sold out, and so is a Journey concert at Northerly Island, so if you can avoid that area of town, you probably should -- traffic's going to be a nightmare.
The ten-year plan
Chicago's hosting the Gay Games in 2006, right? Well, if Maggie Haskins of Sports Illustrated has anything to say about it, the city would hold the Olympic Games just a decade later. Haskins writes an impassioned plea, going so far as to specifically call on Oprah and the mayor to get behind the idea. Thing is, she paints a picture rosy enough that it all starts to sound not just feasible, but pretty darn appealing. [via]
Rolling Start
The Windy City Rollers kick off their season tonight at the Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee. It's the Manic Attackers versus The Fury, then the Double Crossers versus Hell's Belles. Doors open at 5pm, and the match gets started at 6pm -- tickets are only $10. Check out some crazy roller derby action!
Searching for Stevie Bartman
ESPN feature writer Wayne Drehs tracked down "the most reclusive man in sports" on a quest to get some answers. Instead, he ended up giving Steve Bartman an apology.
Make-up Game
Some fans are more dedicated than others. My Fake Season is an account of the 2005-2006 NBA season, focusing on the Chicago Bulls. What's that? The season hasn't started yet? In the mind of Mike Aparicio, it has.
Theme Park Insider
School's out for summer! Today is the last day of school for Chicago Public School students, which means summer vacation is here, and it's time to hit the theme parks! Theme Park Insider rates and reviews major theme and amusement parks across the country and around the world. View individual ratings for rides, shows and food for Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL. For the morbid or curious, the site also maintains an Accident Watch, listing injuries and deaths reported at various parks. The last recorded incident for Six Flags involved a 52-year-old employee who died last year as a result of injuries sustained from an accident involving the Rajun Cajun ride. Stay safe, and check out the list of safety tips from Theme Park Insider writers and readers.
Run, Chicago, run!
Dirty or no, Runner's World has ranked Chicago fourth amongst the 25 Best Running Cities in America. They cite the CARA message boards as fostering a sense of community and, of course, the Lakefront for its uninterrupted footpaths.
Carl Everett, Gentleman and Scholar
White Sox DH Carl Everett tells the July issue of Maxim that "I don't believe in gay marriages and I don't believe in being gay." Fair enough, I guess; I don't believe in the designated hitter. Everett also tells Maxim that Wrigley Field should be "imploded," Tiger Woods is not an athlete, and "It's proven that 99 percent of baseball fans have no idea what they're watching." For the record, this is the same guy who told Sports Illustrated five years ago that dinosaurs never existed because they weren't in the Bible.
Go See'em Play
You know attendance is bad when the Wall Street Journal does a front page story about it. The White Sox have averaged about 20,000 fans at home games this season, despite having the best record in baseball. (Do you realize they've won two thirds of their games this season? Crazy!)
Riding in circles
On Sundays, a few of us get together and visit the Northbrook Velodrome for training and learning the ropes on how to race on the track. This is an exciting year for the velodrome as track racing interest has been high and new riders are coming out to race. Women and Juniors are highly welcome and there has been an increase in numbers for those. Visit the site for more info and learn about it. It's less daunting than you think and a lot of fun from a participant or viewer perspective. Take a look at some photos I took from last weekend's session.
Baseball organists: Going, going . . .
The LA Times looks at the status of the organist in the major league baseball experience and doesn't see much time left for a custom that started in 1940s Chicago. While Wrigley Field remains dedicated to traditional trappings, the White Sox' organist Nancy Faust doesn't expect to be replaced when she retires. That said, Faust, profiled in depth by the Chicago Maroon in 2003, does still get her moments to shine: one of the Sox' game-day promotions this month (the 22nd) is "Nothing but Nancy." Of course, not to put too fine a point on the future of the ballpark organ, the day is also the one marketed to seniors.
Luvabulls Auditions!!!
Hey, ladies! Are you willing to shake your teeny, tiny booty on top of a bar? Well, what about in front of thousands of fans at the United Center? You'd make a great Luvabull. Applications for next year's Bulls cheerleader/dance team are due this June 18 with auditions a week later. Go for it!
Chicago Bandits stole my heart!
These Chicago Bandits are the city's only women's professional softball team. Their first game is at 7pm this Thursday at the Sports Complex at Benedictine University in Lisle, which is accessible by Metra. They're playing almost every Thursday-Sunday through August. And even though their ticket prices are $8-$10, they're running some cool promotions. On Fridays, all women and any man wearing a skirt (including a kilt) gets in for half price. Just in case you can't make the game in person, Comcast Sports Net will be broadcasting it.
Three Lions Roll at Wembley West
Even without some of its star starters, England came, saw and conquered this weekend at Soldier Field. Although it was ostensibly a home loss for the USA, local soccer site The Fire Alarm notes not too many of the roughly 50,000 spectators seemed disappointed. (Sure enough, the prevalence of St. George's Cross in fan photos on Flickr [1|2|3] provides plenty of testament to that!)
Black Sox Lore
Stephen Dubner, who co-authored Freakonomics with U of C economist Stephen Levitt, examines a bit of Chicago sports history in the Freakonomics Blog: did the 1919 White Sox get their nickname, the "Black Sox," due to their throwing of the World Series or for their notoriously dirty uniforms?
The beautiful game(r)
Fans of the England Team will be happy to learn that David Beckham has fouled out of Real Madrid play for the rest of the season. As such, he should be available to take the pitch when his national squad takes on the US Men's Team at Soldier Field next weekend. This will be the fifth match and fifth European opponent the U.S. has played in Chicago since 1992; the most recent was against Poland last July. The game, scheduled for May 28th at 2pm, will be broadcast on ESPN, and tickets are available via Ticketmaster.
Update (23 May 2005): Well, with the dust settled, it seems there will be no Becks, after all. Even though he can't play, Madrid want him to stick around to train, meaning he'll not be in America at the weekend. Bummer.
The Other Marathon
It's hard not to know about the Chicago Marathon, but few outside the running community have ever heard of the city's other marathon, the Lakeshore Marathon. Run on Memorial Day, there's also a half-marathon and a 5k run/walk at the same time, so just about anyone can participate. Registration is still open, so jump in! (Thanks, Leslie)
Exercise and a healthy diet
Last week, 20 lucky folks were on the ball enough to register for the second annual Veggie Bike & Dine, to be held July 23rd. Those earlybirds sold out the first round of registration, but EarthSave Chicago and the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation can accomodate another 25 people on this progressive dinner of vegan-friendly places downtown. The next chance for signing up is May 29th. So, if biking and dining with a bunch of vegetarians sounds like something you could get into, you'll want to register for the event's email notifications -- they'll send a friendly reminder so you can get one of those remaining golden tickets. Incidentally, the 29th is also the day of Bike The Drive, details about which are here in Slowdown. (These events are just two of the many affiliated with Bike Chicago 2005.)
Not All Fun and Games
Blogger Andy Towle points out that next year's Gay Games, to be hosted here in Chicago, are already facing their share of political controversy. It seems the American Family Association is calling for its supporters to contact locally-based Kraft Foods and "tell them to pull their financial support." Given that the festival won't take place until next July, this could just be the beginning of the contentiousness. Meantime, the Games are hoping to boost early registration with parties this weekend at which attendees will save $25 on their fees. Interested? Get more information by phone (773/907-2006) or by e-mail (info[at]gaygameschicago[dot]org).
[Updated, a day later: Well, that sure didn't take long. This morning, the Illinois Familiy Institute introduced its "e-byte" service with the announcement that they aren't concerned about Kraft alone. Nope, they've got a bunch of axes to grind, namely with all of "the (non-homosexual) corporate sponsors ... for the Homosexuality 'Games.'"]
Golden Opportunity
This year's Chicago Golden Gloves amateur boxing tournament gets underway this evening with bouts at St. Andrews Gym, 1658 W. Addison. The competition has seen a number of future boxing champions over its 82-year history, including Joe Louis, Mohammed Ali and Joe Frazier. (Thanks, Eamon!)
Your Star Baseball Team
After last night's win over Kansas City, the White Sox now not only have the best record in baseball, but also broke another long-standing record: they've led in all 26 games they've played this year, breating the record previously held by the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers. Oh, and the Cubs lost again.
Take me out to (and back from) the ball game
The Sun-Times reports that a new trolley service running between Wrigley Field, Michigan Ave. hotels and the Ravenswood Metra station is set to start running on May 7th, when the Cubs play the Phillies. The trolley will be running during night games and weekend games, so all you Cubs fans who come to town just for the games now have a new option to parking near the field.
You'd think we could buy a pennant
The Chicago-based sports marketing firm Team Marketing Research yesterday released their 2005 MLB Fan Cost Index, comparing the cost for a family of four to attend a game at each of baseball's thirty parks. Their methodology, which accounts for average ticket prices, food, parking, and merchandise, puts both of Chicago's teams in the top five most expensive. A trip to a Sox game will run $188.07 (fifth), while a day at Wrigley comes in second at $210.01. Both clubs raised their ticket prices by more than 12% this year. (Thanks, Damon.)
Ask Mr. Bike
Now that the weather is warmer and more people are riding again, Mr. Bike, aka Chicagoan Dave Glowacz, has some great tips for urban biking on his site. He also writes a weekly cycling advice column that covers anything from fitting bikes for short women to dealing with the police.
Cubs Podcasting
If there's something new in the world, you know a Cubs fan is going to try it. Enter Cubscast, a new podcast feeding the daily fix for those unable to make it to the Friendly Confines.
Chicago Force Tackles New Season Head On
The Chicago Force is ready to make their 3rd season a winner, just like their previous two. If you wanna see a winning sports team in Chicago, head down to St. Rita's High School (79th and Western) this Saturday at 3pm. After the game you can head over to Hedgehogs (6915 Pershing Road, Stickney, Il) for a beer or glass of white wine with the team. If you can't make it to the game, you'll be able to get a webcast of the game at 7:30.
GOOOOAAAAALLLL!
In the "Taking it International" category, the Chicago Fire announced that Soldier Field will be the site of a double-header soccer game. On Wednesday, April 27 the Chicago Fire will play the New England Revolution and Poland will play Mexico. They haven't played each other since 1993 and that game ended in a tie, so this stands to be an absolutely insane day. If you're a season ticket holder, the game is included in the package. If you're not, tickets will range from $35 to $70, if you're lucky enough to get one.
Be a Roller!
Tonight you have a chance to find out the answer to this incredibly intriguing question: Do YOU have what it takes to join Chicago's all-girl flat track roller derby league? The Windy City Rollers are looking for a few good roller-skating women, and they're throwing a party tonight at Cork Lounge (1822 W. Addison) for interested lady skaters. No experience necessary, but you do get points for skating ability and personality. See the league's news page for full details. Also pay attention to the league's photo section, particularly the injury gallery.
"Celebrating More Than 80 Years of Losing!"
There are plans afoot to create a Chicago Baseball Museum showcasing all the contributions the city has made to the sport. All aspects of the game would be covered, including the old negro leagues, the short-lived women's league and even 16-inch softball. Maybe they could get the Negro League Cafe to run concessions.
Wait 'til next year
Ron Santo, the greatest third baseman in Cubs history and WGN color commentator, was denied induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame this year, in a vote by the Baseball Veterans Committee. (In fact no eligible ball players garnered enough votes this year to make it into Cooperstown, but Santo and the late Gil Hodges came the closest.) There was some hope that he would have joined Ryne Sandberg in the Hall of Fame this year (Sandberg having been elected to the hall by the Baseball Writers Association of America), but no such luck. Perhaps next time the Cubs should send copies of This Old Cub to the committee? (Thanks to The Cub Reporter for the tip.)
More seats coming to Wrigley Field
It's official: the Cubs and the city have finally closed a deal to add 1,790 seats to Wrigley Field, construction for which could begin as soon as the end of this year's baseball season. To accommodate the new seats, Wrigley Field walls will have to extend an additional 8 feet onto the sidewalks of Waveland and Sheffield, which will alone cost the Cubs nearly $1 million.
Cubs fans: get on the wristbandwagon
Tickets for Cubs games go on sale tomorrow morning at 8:00, and all you fans know what that means: time to get your wristbands! Yep, you've gotta get a wristband if you want the privilege of standing in line to buy tickets. They'll be handing out wristbands at Wrigley Field today until 10pm, or until the wristband supply runs out. (You'll also be able to purchase tickets online, but that doesn't start until 10.) See the Cubs site for full details on the ticket purchase system.
Pint-sized Champion
11-year-old Khaled Almousa could kick your ass. The Southwest Side boxer just won the Silver Gloves, a national title, in the 10-11/80lbs. Division.
Jonny Cycles Custom Frames
Jonny Cycles, located in Madison Wisconsin (just around the corner from us Chicago folk), is crafting some amazing custom lugged steel framesets. Each frame is made to order and Jon (Mr. Jonny Cycles) works with each customer from start to finish to create the perfect ride. See for yourself...check out the gallery of beautiful bikes on his site! He also happens to be a mechanic at one of the best bike shops in the midwest, Yellow Jersey. Get your name on the list fast!
Last Steve Bartman story ever, part 3
You've got to be kidding me: Harry Caray's restaurant to make a "curse-ending" spaghetti sauce made with bits of the Steve Bartman baseball?! PLEASE let this be the last that we see of the infamous baseball!
Got $4.5 million?
Buy Sammy Sosa's condo! 6,600 square feet, 5½ bathrooms and 7 bedrooms "if you count the theater", according to the sales agent handling the sale.
Curling
If you've been thinking that you need to start doing some exercise but you're just not a traditional sports kinda player, then maybe curling is for you. Sure it's an esoteric sport here in the states, but it dates back to the 1500's in Scotland. The Chicago Curling Club is having their final open house this weekend where you can come find out more about the sport. You may be a natural in which case you could work your way up to the U.S. Olympic Team.
WNBA slam-dunks in Chicago
Even though Da Bulls are improving lately, Chicago hasn't had a women's basketball team to rally around. That's all changing finally, in May 2006, cause Chicago is getting an official WNBA franchise. Season tickets went on sale yesterday, but I bet there are still a few left, so now is your chance to get in on the ground floor. (Thanks, Roni.)
Baseball blogs
Chicago writer Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Unauthorized Biography, has started a blog, Baseball and Real Life, where he covers the Cubs and the Sox alongside rock n' roll, politics and more. With pitchers and catchers for both teams reporting next Wednesday, it's a good one to add to your bookmarks alongside other excellent baseball blogs like Most Valuable Network's White Sox-oriented Exile in Wrigleyville and Cubs-focused Behind the Ivy.
Then & Now: William Perry
Just in time for the Superbowl, CNN.com runs an update on William "The Refrigerator" Perry. Watch for a new commercial with Perry, Da Coach and the Punky QB during the Superbowl this Sunday. He's a grandfather now, as well as father to a strapping 6 feet, 260 pound, 12 year old son; another possible football star in that family. Perry enjoys his retirement and loves meeting fans. He also likes to talk to kids at local schools with a positive message: stay in school, work hard, listen to and respect your elders.
Alderman okays Cubs expansion
The expansion of Wrigley Field gets one step closer to reality, as 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney has given his blessing to the Cubs' plans for building 1,790 new bleacher seats, as well as developing land near the ballpark into a combination parking deck, restaurant and Cubs hall of fame. Tunney okayed the plan after the Cubs agreed to create a 7,000-10,000 square foot neighborhood park at a location to be determined.
Illinois is for 'Ballers
Suddenly Illinois is a basketball state. The Illini are at the top of the standings, undefeated, and have you noticed the Bulls are doing amazingly well? They totally sucked for most of the season, then all of a sudden they're two games over .500 and have won 11 of their last 12 games. They could make it to the playoffs for the first time in years! Crazy world.
Can Jimmy Buffett break the Cubs' curse?
The Cubs have decided to hold a pair of concerts at Wrigley Field on Labor Day weekend. The Lakeview neighborhood board has okayed the plan, and they're waiting for City Hall to give the go-ahead on the concerts. The Cubs have even got a headlining act in mind: Jimmy Buffett, who played Fenway Park in Boston last year and tried to break the Curse of the Bambino. (That appeared to work.) Can Buffett, a long-time Cubs fan, work his Margaritaville magic on the Billygoat Curse? Stay tuned....
KIP
Knitting in Public. There are several local groups where you can meet up with other knitters and knit at a coffee shop or someone's home. Well now, the Chicago Park District is getting in on the act. (scroll down the list) If you thought the parks were just for soccer and basketball, you'd be highly mistaken. There are also several sewing programs. (search for "sewing")
SNOW MADNESS!
Bummed that the toboggan runs in the Forest Preserve are closed? Looking to get out and play in the snow? Here are some resources about where to go.
Hall of Ryno Fame
Congratulations to Ryne Sandberg for making it into the Baseball Hall of Fame! It's about time they recognized.
Rock the cradle of Cubs
The Cubs have found a new way to recruit young fans before anyone else can get to them. Starting New Year's Day, babies born at Northwestern Memorial, St. Joseph, and Illinois Masonic hospitals will get a Cubs-logo knit newborn hat provided by the club. The team has purchased more than 10,000 hats for the hospitals. The first baby born at each hospital Saturday morning will also receive a gift basket of baby clothes from the team.
Wrigley nets still in play for '05 season
On Monday, Buildings Commissioner Stan Kaderbek received a draft report by engineers on the subject of the concrete that fell in Wrigley Field over the last year. The Sun-Times reports that the cause appears to be aging concrete, combined with the freeze-and-thaw cycles that you get in an average Chicago winter. The report recommends that the safety nets to catch falling concrete stay in place for the 2005 season, even though Kaderbek said earlier this year, "Those nets have to come down by April."
Classic Championship Wrestling
Don't have the cash to spring for expensive WWE Events? The Woodstock VFW Post 5040 is hosting Classic Championship Wrestling this Saturday out in McHenry County. CCW WrestleRage II (Revenge is SERVED!) will feature classics like a steel cage match, tag team, and the crowning of the CCW World Heavyweight Title. It's only $10 in advance and the fun gets started at 7pm.
Yoga Chicago
Yoga Chicago is just what it sounds like: a fairly comprehensive site for yoga resources in Chicago. Plus, it mirrors all of the articles run in the print version of the magazine. The directory of classes is a nearly complete listing of all yoga studios and classes in Chicago. However, if you know you are interested in a particular style of yoga, Centerstage has a good breakdown of yoga styles offered by each studio.
Second Cubs broadcaster leaves
Speaking of baseball, Cubs broadcast analyst Steve Stone announced his resignation last night; it follows his former partner Chip Caray's resignation earlier this month. Both broadcasters were well-liked by fans and respected in the industry—except, that is, by certain Cubs players and management. Sentiment seems to be running with the broadcasters and against the organization both in the papers and online.
Sammy and the Mets?
Just two days after the season ended, and Chicago baseball teams are in negotiations with their players. The Tribune reports that the New York Mets are eyeing Sammy Sosa, who the Cubs are looking to dump, though at a high price. It looks like Nomar Garciaparra could still be with the Cubs next year, but only on a 1-year contract. The Cubs are also taking an interest in Astros' outfielder Carlos Beltran, who, according to the Sun-Times, might be ready to leave Houston. The White Sox, meanwhile, have re-signed Frank Thomas and Carl Everett, as well as Shingo Takatsu, while dropping injured catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. Is it time for spring training, yet?
Roller Derby, Chicago Style
Did you know that the roller derby phenomenon started in Chicago? The women who competed in the first contests were just as tough as the men. The Windy City Rollers are ready to prove that hasn't changed as they polish their skates and practice their elbow jabs before their inaugural season this winter. You can see them at the Derby Doll's Debut Ball at The Liar's Club Thursday night. These ladies aren't just raising money to get "Chicago's only all-female flat track roller derby league" off the ground -- they'll also be donating some cashola to the Chicago Abused Women Coalition and Planned Parenthood.
Michael Jordan Motorsports
Did you know Michael Jordan is into motorcycle racing? Neither did I, until I spotted this article in the Daily Southtown. He's apparently a big fan, and owns a Ducati with his famous "Jumpman" icon on the side.
Baseball wrapup
Chicago's baseball season officially ended this weekend: the White Sox clinched their fate two weeks ago when they ceded the AL Central to the Twins, while the Cubs preferred a slow, agonizing slide to futility, keeping within reach of the NL wild card until Saturday. Both teams ended the year with wins yesterday and winning records overall; that and five bucks will get them a cup of Starbucks. Cubs play-by-play man Chip Caray announced yesterday he's joining his dad in the Braves booth (the Tribune has an early list of possible replacements), and his partner Steve Stone may or may not be sticking around. The Cubs and Sox both will move their cable games from Fox to the new Comcast SportsNet, which debuted this weekend.
En Garde!
If you've ever wanted to challenge someone to a duel, but lacked the sabre skills, you can now brush up on the weekends. The Chicago Athletic Association Fencers Club offers classes for beginners as well as advanced fencers on weeknights and on Saturday and Sunday mornings downtown. Pretty soon, you'll know the difference between an "epee" and a "foil" (hint: it has to do with where you can stick it). [via Daily Candy]
Chicago, the Card Game(s)
Leave it to the Swedes to name an obscure card game after our fair city. It turns out, however, that there's also a version of bridge called Chicago, as well as a poker variant. (You'd think a bridge game named after the city would have no east position, but alas, it does.)
South Side Marlins?
The World Champion Florida Marlins are spending some quality time in Chicago. For a few days this week, the Marlins are setting up shop down in U.S. Cellular field. Hurricane Ivan, dubbed "Pudge" after the former Marlins catcher, has forced the team to find a home field elsewhere. Seeing as the White Sox had some away games, and the Marlins just came to town to play a series against the Cubs, MLB put a plan into high gear. Tickets to the games are $15 at the box office, with $5 going to hurricane relief. The seats are first come, first served, which offers casual baseball fans a nice opportunity to see some great ball. One more game today at 1:05 CST for anyone looking to spend these last few warm days taking in some great baseball for a good cause.
A fondness of beaches:
As the summer of 2004 slowly fades into memory, we Chicagoans would be wise to remember our beaches. According to the Christian Science Monitor: "It's not Hawaii, but to city dwellers, the 25 miles of shoreline are consolation for long, cold winters, and offer a microcosm of the city itself."
North Beach Spikes
The AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour hits North Avenue Beach today, featuring Olympic gold medalists Misty May and Kerri Walsh and six other Olympic players. The tournament runs through Monday, with the women's final at 11:30am Sunday and men's final at 1:30pm Monday (after May and Walsh's performance last week, maybe they should switch that around). Free general admission tonight and tomorrow, tickets are $10 for Saturday and Sunday (no word about Monday). Also, you can party with the players Saturday night at Duffy's, 422 W. Diversey, from 8:30-11:30pm for just $20, booze and food included. Score!
South Side Sluggin'
Unlike the Cubs, the Sox are pretty much out of playoff contention at this point. Since they are, Sox fans can focus on other things - like Joe Borchard's record 504 foot home run. It's the longest ever at Comisk... er, the Cell.
How Manny Ramirez Spent His Day Off
Last weekend, the Boston Red Sox came to town for a series with the struggling White Sox. Boston came in with pretty big expectations and didn't disappoint the fans back east, closing the weekend with a sweep. After arriving, the Boston team was treated to a day off. Just how did Manny Ramirez spend a day off in Chicago? Shopping Michigan Avenue, watching movies, or on a road trip to Manteno? Manny took a limo on a drive through the cornfields, to Rad Rides By Troy, a customization shop he spied on the Discovery Channel awhile back. Troy is working on a pretty exciting ride for Manny's dad, and Manny checked out the work while in town.
Is it safe?
The city is looking for further proof from the Cubs that Wrigley Field is structurally sound. If proof is not delivered to the City Building Commissioner by Monday, then Wrigley Field will be closed. Furthermore, the problem isn't confined to the ballpark: one of the rooftop decks is being threatened with closure if it can't provide proof of stability.
Finish line
The Chicago Marathon will close registration in about five hours has closed registration. This is the earliest the field of 40,000 has ever filled, beating last year by a week. Some slots remain for those raising money for charity, or one can always watch instead.
Marathon Man
The Chicago Marathon is only a couple months away, and Mike Paus is blogging his preparations for the 26.2-mile run. (You might also be interested in the videos of him playing with glowsticks on strings, or his Tinley Park bar crawl page.)
Today's odd sports-related injury story
A woman was hit by a ball after a White Sox game. Not a baseball... a golf ball. She's suing the Sox for not preventing the incident, which apparently involved someone hitting golf balls in the parking lot. Well, good luck on that.
The hits of baseball
ESPN has assembled a list of songs played before at-bats of various Cubs and White Sox. (In 1941 Wrigley Field became baseball's first park to install an organ and is the only one that still plays introductions on the organ. Indeed, one hidden joy of going to a game is recognizing the gag songs that organist Gary Pressy plays to taunt opposing players, such as "Mary Had a Little Lamb" for Houston's Mike Lamb. Trivia: Pressy is who guesses a home run's distance for the Southwest Airlines "How Far Did It Fly" contest.)
Wrigleyville community meeting
The Cubs, along with aldermen Tunney, Shiller, Schulter and Matlak, are holding a community meeting tonight for midseason review of the Wrigleyville Neighborhood Protection Plan agreed to by the Cubs in exchange for an increase in night games. Residents with questions about traffic management, litter, or other such considerations might want to attend. Questions like "Don't you think Nomar is too little, too late?" probably should be reserved for another forum.
Storm Tix On Sale
Tickets to the inaugural season of the Chicago Storm pro indoor soccer team went on sale today. For as little as $190, you could get a season pass for the city's newest pro team. (I just wish they called them The Sting, like the old NASL team.) Meantime, there are still six regular season games left for The Fire.
Fantasy baseball
When White Sox pitchers last week hit Twins infielder Corey Koskie three times in one game -- tying a record -- a Minnesota fan was dismayed that no bench-clearing brawl ensued. To fill the void she used the magic of Legos to dramatize what may not have actually happened but should have. A friend observes that the Darth Vader revelation explains much about Frank Thomas: his unpopularity in spite of great power, his tendency to choke with force and his destiny to fall. (Via BRPA 2004.)
Get the net!
The inspection for falling chunks of concrete at Wrigley Field continues this week, and with a home game scheduled on Friday, the Cubs don't want to take any chances. So they've ordered a safety net to protect fans from falling debris from the upper deck. Meanwhile, Alderman Bernie Stone has a solution for the falling debris problem: close Wrigley Field.
Soldier Field no longer a landmark?
The National Park Service issued a report yesterday that recommended that Soldier Field should lose its National Historic Landmark status, because the recent renovations to the statium has destroyed its historic character. The recommendation doesn't take effect right away; the status will be voted upon by the Advisory Board Landmarks Committee in September, which will then send its recommendation to the full board, which will forward its recommendation to the US Secretary of the Interior, etc., etc., etc. In short, this issue will drag out for several months, which should give Bears fans one more thing to worry about this fall.
On your marks
Runners considering October's Chicago Marathon but who haven't registered yet should do so soon: The field of 40,000 is expected to fill in just a few weeks.
Cubs fans, watch out for falling concrete!
The Sun-Times reports that concrete appears to be falling from Wrigley Field's upper decks. There have been two incidents in the last 5 weeks, so the Cubs have hired a structural engineer to perform a top-to-bottom inspection of the ballpark. Inspections are usually done annually for off-season maintenance, but the piece of the upper deck that fell on Friday (and was displayed on the news this weekend) spurred the Cubs into taking action.
Chicago's largest bowling alley closing
Chicago's largest bowling alley, Marzano's Miami Bowl, is closing due to slow business. The 80-lane bowling complex has been open for 49 years, but the current manager, Dan Marzano, says the business had been in a decline since 9/11. GB readers may recall that earlier this year, the Marigold Bowl also closed up after 60-plus years of service to the Wrigleyville area. It's a bad time to be in the bowling business, apparently. (Thanks to Big Happy Funhouse for the tip.)
Wrestlemania
WWE may get the TV coverage, but there are small, local pro wrestling federations all across the country. Chicago has several, but Windy City Pro Wrestling's website seems to be working at the moment. In the meantime, you can get news on all the local clubs direct from ChicagoWrestling.com. (There's also the Chicago Pro Wrestling Club, a gay wrestling group that meets at Touché, but they don't seem to get much coverage.)
Wake up for the mountain stage
Craving some large-screen Tour de France action and willing to get up early for it? A Lincolnshire theater will be showing live race coverage on a movie screen at 6 a.m. on Saturday. There's a $25 registration fee, but it seems to include breakfast.
Lance a lot
Cycling fans will be waking at dawn this month to watch live coverage of the Tour de France. If they can wait 12 hours, French restaurant Brasserie Joe will show each day's racing at 6 p.m. with food and drink specials tied to that day's region of the tour, and the Outdoor Life Network is teaming with three Lincoln Park bars to show delayed coverage of some of the stages. On July 17, the Tyler Hamilton Foundation will raise funds with a breakfast viewing in Lincolnshire.
Stiff Competition
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has had it in for Tribune basketball writer Sam Smith for awhile. Now's he's upset that Smith called Mavericks draftee Pavel Podkolzine a "stiff" and issues the following challenge: "I will donate $10,000 to the charity of your choice if you can prove that you have ever seen Pavel play in person or on tape ... If you lose, you change your business card title and Tribune byline to 'Sports Gossip Columnist.' I will even pay for the cards."
Cubs rooftop arguments heat up again
Three months after all the agreements between Wrigley Field and local rooftop clubs were hammered out, a new club at 950 W. Addison has sprung up, and the Cubs are planning to block its view of the field.
Billy Corgan's day job redux
As previously reported at GB, Billy Corgan has a new job as Cubs reporter for XRT these days. And according to the Trib, his new job is going pretty well. Corgan sez: "I don't take it seriously. I view it as entertainment. I'm by no means an expert, but then again, I think most 'experts' aren't experts either." Well said, Billy!
Give me a bike!
Feeling lucky? Bike Town USA, sponsored by Bicycling magazine, is giving away 50 free bikes to folks in Chicago and several other cities. For your chance to win a free bike, describe, in 50 words or less, how biking will change your life. Visit the Bike Town USA website for complete rules and application. The deadline is June 30 (and you can fax your entry) so hurry up and enter!
Chief Illiniwek vote delayed
The U of I board of trustees is expected to introduce on Thursday a resolution to delay a vote on whether to keep the controversial sports mascot Chief Illiniwek. The resolution instead calls for a "consensus conclusion" to the Illiniwek debate. It is unclear as to what this compromise would entail; in a report delivered to trustees in March of 2002, former trustee Roger Plummer said that "after nine months of reviewing options presented for a 'compromise' resolution, including many unsolicited recommendations, it is abundantly clear that there is no 'compromise' available."
Whoops! Cubs don't own parking lot
The Sun-Times reports that a plot of land currently being used for a parking lot at Wrigley Field was bought in 1982 from a railroad company that didn't have the right to sell it. The Cubs are currently working on a deal to purchase the land for real this time, because they're hoping to turn the lot into a parking deck, a Cubs Hall of Fame and a sports-themed restaurant.
Madison to Chicago Relay
Speaking of running, the Great Midwest Relay is coming up in a couple days. Twelve-person teams run from Madison to Milwaukee to Chicago -- 175 miles total -- in 36 legs over two days (June 10 and 11). Registration is still open, so get your buddies together and see how far you can go!
On the road again
Anyone considering this fall's Chicago Marathon should lace up now. Hal Higdon's celebrated 18-week training schedule kicks off today, as do CARA's group training sessions.
Ride Around the 35th
Saturday, join Rey Colon on a bike ride around the 35th Ward. The 35th is home to Logan Square, rumored to be bike-cooler than even Wicker Park. The ride is free. The first 50 to the start will get a free t-shirt. Start time is 10am from Palmer Square, between Kedzie and Sacramento on Palmer (two blocks south of Fullerton). After the ride will be a free lunch in Palmer Square. This will be a short (8 miles) ride.
And now for that other sport
As a once obsessive badminton player in Kuala Lumpur, I've been interested to find out what one can do to remedy a long period of non-playing here in Chicago. It seems Illinois does have a few places to play and that the University of Chicago has a club and team (that has won college tournaments). However, I'd like to know more. Send tips and info to nh at gapersblock.com.
Get your kickball on
The World Adult Kickball Association has just started up its 2004 season. Chicago games will be on Tuesday or Wednesday nights at Chase Park (4725 N. Ashland); registration is still open.
Gay Games Update
The Advocate reports that the organizers of the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago will launch a new Website, GayGamesChicago.org, on Friday. The site's up already (although registration for the games doesn't start until June), so you can peruse the list of upcoming events (mostly fundraising and volunteer meetings for now) and information for people who would like to volunteer.
Chicago Repeats as favorite MLB city
As reported last year, Chicago is MLB's favorite place to play. This year, MLB.com again polled 95 players representing the 30 teams on their favorite road city. The winner? Chicago, with 35 votes. Second was New York City with 15 votes. Food, shopping, nightlife, cleanliness --- it all adds up to My Kind of Town.
Billy Corgan gets a day job
Billy Corgan is now apparently the Chicago Cubs correspondent for WXRT. The radio station's programming veep, Norm Winer, says Corgan will provide analysis and commentary on the team's previous week performance and preview the upcoming week's game series. (Thanks to Chicagomuzik for the tip, and also for providing big laffs with the headline "This Is Not An Onion Article.")
Down with ol' pee-pee
Cubs left-fielder Moises Alou hit .400 this week with 3 home runs and 4 RBIs. How did he do it? Peeing on his hands to harden them may have helped. Apparently he's not alone in the practice. But Slate points out that urea is a common ingredient in skin moisturizers, and the fact that Alou has only 8 errors in his Cub career suggests very soft hands indeed.
Speaking of Baseball
What's the difference between Cubs fans and White Sox fans? Claire Zulkey was recently asked that question, and turned to "two totally separate biased people" for the answer.
Prior gets his sheepskin
Cubs pitching phenom Mark Prior, All-Star, Cy Young finalist, Collegiate Player of the Year, first round draft pick, &c., can now add one more title to his ever-growing list of accolades: Bachelor of Business. After finishing off his remaining credits over the past couple years, Prior will be getting his college diploma when he walks in the USC commencement ceremonies on Friday.
Northsiders vs. Southsiders
We aim to make you laugh every morning (at least we try to) and thus here comes the official GB Humorous Moment of the Day yet again. Northsiders vs. Southsiders, a funny "look" at the difference between watching the Cubs and watching the Sox. Note: flash movie.
Metro Night Game
Metro has come up with an interesting way to showcase local bands on Cubs game days: This coming Tuesday, watch the game at Metro on the biggest screen Wrigleyville -- the back wall of the stage -- then stick around for a set by Burn Rome Burn. Admission is free during the game, and they're offering $2 Miller/Miller Lite pints. Doors open at 6pm.
Yeah, that oughta work
Not content with previous attempts to lift the Cubs' curse, State Rep. John Fritchey decided to write a piece of legislation declaring the curse "no more." Does this mean that if the Cubs don't win this year, they'll be violating state law?
Are you ready for some football?
Ha! You thought the days of shoulder pads, pigskin, and tight pants were over. Wrong! It's now time to see the Chicago Force, stomp the competition and make it to the playoffs, just like they did last year. These women are tough! These women are skilled! These women are playing their second game on Saturday! What better way to enjoy the warm weather, than hanging outside and watching a Chicago team win?
Let's Blog Two!
There are blogs about everything, so of course there are some that focus solely on the Cubs and Sox. And if your not a fan of the home teams, BaseballBlogs.org can point you to one for your team.
Sun-Times nearly handed Cubs promotion deal
Crain's Chicago Business reports that the Sun-Times was given a proposal by the Tribune that would have made the Sun-Times the sponsor of a "guess the attendance" contest during radio broadcasts of the Tribune-owned ball team. A few hours after the proposal was accepted by the Sun-Times, a WGN sales manager called to say that a Tribune exec had stopped the deal. Okay, everyone point at the Tribune building and say "Haw-haw!"
Games et Macs
Which baseball team does the well-organized geek prefer? At iCalShare, various Cubs schedules have been downloaded 883 times, with 356 downloads for Sox schedules. (Surprisingly, none of the Cubs schedules have reminders to leave early to hit the bars and/or drive back to the suburbs.)
You're (sold) out!
The Tribune reports that expectations for the Cubs are still riding high from last year's close call with success, and as a result, despite increasing ticket prices at Wrigley Field, the ballpark is pretty well sold out for the entire year. (Obstructed view tickets, as always, are still available.)
Rooftop baseball argument settled
Last month, GB mentioned that Skybox on Waveland was the only remaining rooftop baseball business that was still being threatened by the Cubs in a lawsuit, and was going to have its view of the action in Wrigley Field blocked in some manner. Well, now comes word that an agreement between Skybox and the Cubs has been reached, meaning that Monday's season-opener at Wrigley Field will be free of controversy. At least as far as rooftop baseball proprietors are concerned.
Win a chance to buy Wrigley Field boxes
Over 200 box seats behind home plate were added to Wrigley Field for the 2004 season, and now Cubs fans can enter a box seats lottery -- not to win seats, of course, but to win a chance to buy seats.
Bike The Drive Registration Open!
Don't miss the third annual Bike The Drive. Once again, Lake Shore Drive will be closed to car traffic for this great ride on the Sunday before Memorial Day, May 30, from 5:30am to 10am. Be one of 25,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities to once again ride their bikes on a car-free LSD and enjoy gorgeous views of the city's skyline while breathing fresh air instead of exhaust. Riders must register in advance ($35) and registration is limited to the first 25,000 cyclists. Visit Bike The Drive, go into local bike or athletic stores for a brochure, or call 312-42-PEDAL for more info.
Slammin'
Billy Jean King would be proud. The spotlight was on outstanding Naperville Central High School senior Candace Parker Monday night as she became the first woman to win the Slam Dunk contest at McDonald's High School All-American Game in Oklahoma City. Candace, who's headed to play for Tennessee next fall, joins the ranks of such stand-out college basketball stars as LeBron James, Vince Carter, and Jerry Stackhouse who all won the Dunk Contest before heading off to their college basketball careers.
Injury Won't Go Away
Cubs fans -- of which, apparently, there are many -- are starting to worry about the nagging achilles injury to stud pitcher Mark Prior The injury isn't going away, and may be leading to even more problems. Luckily for the Cubs, they have a gazillion very good pitchers.
Wrigleyville meter holidays cancelled
In response to complaints from businesses around Wrigley Field, Alderman Tom Tunney has removed the Sunday meter holiday from certain streets around the ballpark, which will hopefully prevent Cubs fans from parking at the meters all day. Enforcement will continue through the Cubs off-season, so be careful if you decide to go to a Sunday brunch at Ann Sather on Belmont.
This Old Cub
"This Old Cub" is a documentary of Cubs great Ron Santo' battle with diabetes, specifically his recent leg amputation. Directed by Santo's son, Jeff, this is a must-see for any die-hard Cubs fan. It opens in several local theaters tomorrow; check the Reader listing tonight for show times.
Skybox to be blocked from Wrigley view
The Cubs have reached agreements with 12 out of 13 nearby rooftop businesses that were named in a December 2002 lawsuit to prevent these businesses from charging patrons to see the game on their rooftops. The one remaining business, Skybox on Waveland, will have its view of the field blocked by the Cubs in some unknown manner. Screens? Big balloons? A huge Harry Caray statue? Time will tell...
Keep the Chief
U of I students were asked to vote this week on whether or not to keep the controversial team mascot Chief Illiniwek. The results: a resounding vote to keep the Chief, albeit from a mere one-third of the student body.
Karma on two wheels
The third annual Ride for AIDS Chicago is looking for riders, crew volunteers and pledgers for a two-day, 200 mile trip between Chicago and Lake Geneva to take place the first weekend of June. Each rider is expected to raise $1000 in pledges, 100% of which is returned to Test Positive Aware Network and BEHIV.
Play ball
It's not often that I'm happy to hear the voice of Ron Santo, but now is such an occasion: The Cubs are at this moment playing their first spring training game. Tune in at WGN (AM 720) or online.
Chicago to Host Gay Games
We beat out the competition from Los Angeles, as the Federation of Gay Games announced today that Chicago will host the 2006 games. Gay Games VII are predicted to host 20,000 participants and 250,000 spectators at dozens of local venues, bring more than 10,000 visitors to Chicago and generate up to $50 million in revenue. Chicago Games submitted a $6.1 million bid that focuses only on athletic events. The proposal dropped plans for an arts and humanities festival in Millennium Park, and reduced the number of sports organizers guaranteed to 22 from 30.
We're #1 (in cardiac testing)!
The Tribune reports that Carmel High School's football team, after winning its first state championship last fall, is trying to make strides in another field: echocardiograms. The team all took the heart tests, which can detect heart problems that may cause sudden cardiac deaths in young athletes. All team members received a clean bill of health.
Is it a man's man's man's world?
Annika Sorenstam, Billy Bean, Lindsy McLean, Katie Hnida: just a few people who might have something to say on the subject of Erin McCarthy's lecture this week. Dr. McCarthy, a history lecturer at Columbia College, will present Sport and Sexuality: (Nearly) the Last Bastion of Sexism and Homophobia at 6pm Thursday at the Chicago Cultural Center. It's part of the Intersections series presented by Columbia and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Admission is free.
Up the Hancock!
How long would it take you to run up the 1,632 steps of the 94 floors of the Hancock Center? In yesterday's Hustle Up The Hancock fundraiser, the winning times were 9 minutes 49 seconds (male) and 11 minutes 10 seconds (female). The event raised $500,000 for the American Lung Association.
Last Steve Bartman story ever, part 2
Let this be the end of the curse! Thursday night at Harry Caray's restaurant, the infamous baseball from the Cubs-Marlins playoff game will be destroyed. Although... Moises Alou's glove will still be around. dramatic music...
Welcome Back Mr. Maddux
Bringing joy to the hearts of Cub fans and unbreaking, soul-crushing sorrow to White Sox fans, the Chicago Cubs have signed first-ballot Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux. I bet everybody on the North Side feels really special. Well, we got Shingo Takatsu! Just how much more active are the Cubs than the White Sox this offseason? Compare their transactions to date: Cubs...Sox
The thaw begins
The most beautiful words in the English language are not "I love you," nor are they "Of course you can have seconds." They are "pitchers and catchers report." The Cubs' batteries do so Wednesday, the Sox on Friday, a sure sign that spring is just around the corner. Soon our sidewalks will again be populated by mango vendors and children jumping rope. As of Jan. 29, Vegas gave the North Siders 3:1 odds to win the World Series, compared with 15:1 for the White Sox.
Fumbling with the Bra
Lucky us: Chicago will be home to one of the four charter teams in the newly announced Lingerie Football League. The Chicago Passion, Los Angeles Dream, New York Euphoria and Dallas Desire will kick off their inaugural, three-game (including the second Lingerie Bowl) season next January. Don't expect to catch practices anywhere nearby -- this is a pay-per-view only event.
More Wrigley night games
The city council today approved a measure allowing the Cubs to play more night games at Wrigley Field. The council also conferred landmark status on Wrigley, but with provisions that allow expansion of the bleachers section and the addition of about 200 new box seats.
Do we look fat?
Men's Fitness has named Chicago the fifth fattest U.S. city, which is an improvement over last year, when we were No. 2. We score well for athletic participation -- huzzah for softball and biking -- but flunk when it comes to nutrition, air quality, climate, commuting and access to parks.
City makes Wrigley Field landmark
The Sun-Times reports that the City Council's Landmarks Committee approves Mayor Daley's plan to landmark "historic elements" of Wrigley Field. Since the landmark designation doesn't cover the entire building, it allows the owners to start on plans to build three rows of premium-priced seats behind home plate. "Even more important, the landmark vote signals that a deal is in the works for the Cubs to play 30 night games by 2006 -- up from 18."
Force-ful fashion
Would you like something flashy to wear that shows you support a winning Chicago sports team? The Chicago Force is sportin' some stylish threads, and you can buy them.
Bears Name New Coach
The Bears named St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator Lovie Smith as the 13th head coach in franchise history. Smith, 45, agreed to a four-year deal and will be introduced by general manager Jerry Angelo at a Thursday news conference. [Trib login: gapers/gapers]
On your marks, get set, snow!
Sunday morning kicks off the 2004 Tour da Chicago, a six-stage alleycat bike race. This weekend's time trial will start in stages from the Bahai Temple in Wilmette and race to YoJimbo's Garage at 1310 N. Clybourn. Entrance is $10 for the race or $45 for the series. Register at 1461 W. Chicago at 7 a.m.
Hope springs eternal
Season tickets for the Cubs went on sale Thursday morning at 6:00. The people at the head of the line took their place at 9:00 Wednesday morning. If you didn't get a chance to purchase your tickets, fret not. Starting today, you can order season tickets by phone: (773) 404-2827. Expect to pay at least $2,000 for the tickets. The most expensive tickets in the park go for $3,300 each, but they've already been sold, dangit.
Bad News Cubs
Baseball's Hall of Fame inductions were announced this afternoon, and once again former Cub greats Ryne Sandberg and Andre Dawson didn't quite make it to Cooperstown. [Trib login: gapers/gapers]
Now that's dedication
ESPN Magazine mentions in its 2003 wrapup that Chicagoan and serious Cubs fan Bill Murray, who was in Italy filming the next Wes Anderson movie during the October baseball playoffs, had it written into his contract that he'd get a satellite feed of the Cubs.
Force Tryouts
Hey, ladies! If you think you've got what it takes to strap on 50 pounds of protective gear and fight to get a football from one end of the field to the other, then the Chicago Force wants you to try out for the team. Take your padded shoulders, your best snarl, and your proof of health insurance to the Broadway Armory (5917 N. Broadway) on Saturday. You've got a chance to work for a successful Chicago football team.
The Best Ever?
So, this college kid wrote an essay for an English class attempting to prove that the 1985 Chicago Bears were the best football team ever, with the next closest team being the 1972 Miami Dolphins. He put most of it online. More than a year later, the editor of a newspaper in Alaska reads it and writes a column defending his favorite team, the 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers, as best ever. Boy, team allegiances run deep.
Jauron Gone
The Bears fired head coach Dick Jauron, leaving next year's team even more up in the air than it already was. Chicagosports.com has Jauron's official statement.
Beware the shrinkage
No nudity, no wetsuits, no whining. It's the fifth annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim. Come to North Avenue Beach at noon and put all that holiday flab to good use: insulation.
Football v. Bowling on Boxing Day
Have you got Friday off and the willingness to travel to Detroit to support local college ball? The Northwestern Wildcats are in their fourth Bowl appearance in nine years, and are still looking for postseason win #1 (not counting that fluke in '49). With a 6-6 record and a seventh place finish in the Big Ten, the 'Cats earned the privilege of playing Bowling Green in the Motor City Bowl. B.G., by the way, was 10-3 this season and ranked 24th on the BCS chart. Tickets are still available.
Bearly Alive
The Bears managed to win yesterday against the Redskins despite (or because of) a couple of questionable calls. They're now one game away from .500 heading into their last game of the season (figures they'd get good after missing the playoffs). Still, that doesn't mean Jauron will keep his job.
Last Steve Bartman story ever?
The baseball that Steve Bartman didn't catch sold for $106,600 today to Harry Caray's restaurant. The restaurant owner said he plans to destroy the baseball in February.
Gay Games coming to town?
Chicago is one of two cities likely to host the 2006 Gay Games, the 20-year-old sporting event that has been previously hosted in San Fancisco, Vancouver, New York City, Amsterdam, and Sydney. Chicago and Los Angeles were originally third and fourth in the voting for the next city, but negotiations broke down with the organizers' first choice, Montreal, and second choice Atlanta took itself out of the running.
Good To Be A North Sider
The North Side Boys keep getting better: the Cubs signed Minnesota Twins reliever -- and career White Sox Killer -- LaTroy Hawkins to a three-year deal Tuesday. In much less infuriating news, the White Sox acquired solid, lovable short stop Juan Uribe from the Colorado Rockies.
Sports Wrap-up
After a dismal 4-10 start, the Bulls fired head coach Bill Cartwright today. Since Cartwright took over for Tim Floyd in 2001, the Bull's record is 51-100 -- and you thought the Bears were bad. (They won this weekend, by the way.)
In other news, the Fire lost the MLS championship to the San Jose Earthquakes 4-2.
Blazin' a Trail to Naperville
You probably know about the Chicago Fire pro soccer team, but have you heard about the Chicago Blaze? They're our local National Women's Basketball League team -- not to be confused with the WNBA -- and they're apparently moving to Naperville.
Cubs still can't win
Cubs pitcher Mark Prior came in third for the NL Cy Young award, announced today. He lost out to Dodgers closer Eric Gagne and the Giants' Jason Schmidt. He's also getting married this Saturday; I'm sure I'm not the only one a little sad about that news. [Trib login: gapers/gapers]
Foul back.
Just when you thought you were going to put the recent Cubs unpleasantness behind you and move on, an Oak Brook auction house claims to have the infamous foul ball from Game 6 and is getting ready to auction it off next month. I'm guessing that bidding will be coming mostly from Florida.
Ozzie! Ozzie!
Ozzie Guillen, the former White Sox shortstop, is returning to the team, this time as manager. Apparently he got the news while riding through Disneyworld in the Marlins' victory parade (he was their third base coach).
Bear Down
Don't look now, but the Bears have somehow managed to win two games in a row!
Keep Yer Hands in Da Stands!
...will be chanted throughout Wrigley in 2004. Apparently, these special jackets will be given out to the first 10 rows next season. Gapers' Block — for all your sporting news.
Save the Velodrome
After more than 40 years, the Northbrook Velodrome needs a complete resurfacing. Volunteers and fundraisers have managed to come up with half the cost, but $150,000 is still needed. This outdoor cycling track serves professional racers as well as kids and hobbyists. A golden donor has come forward who is willing to match all donations, so give, give, give!
Chicago Bike Map
You can't go wrong without one. You can't leave home without one... (if you bike that is).
Funeral Mini Golf
It's the season for spooky, which means it's time for funeral parlor mini golf! Ahlgrims Funeral Home in Palatine boasts what is probably the world's most macabre miniature golf course, nine creepy holes meandering through the basement of this active funeral home. Anyone can play, as long as there's no funeral in progress. Call 847/358-7411 for more info.
Sisyphus and Tantalus
Sisyphus has been a figure who has never ceased to fascinate us. As an image of resignation to inevitable failure, he has served as a metaphor for everything from the Greek underworld to the philosophy of French Existentialism. Tantalus' fate is no less evocative - who among us hasn't been tantalized before? As particular as our own individual torments seem, we can take comfort in the fact that dissapointment and recovering from it are something we all experience.
The Foul Ball
"Moises Alou expected to catch it. One Cubs fan in the first row near Aisle 4 got his hand on it. After that, every Cubs fan wanted to get his hands on him." For the 2 people who didn't watch the game last night (whether you're a fan or not), here's a short look at the scandal of the fan and the foul ball in the Daily Herald.
4 Highly Effective Habits:
The Christian Science Monitor comments on the mojo behind the Cubs. And those other teams are mentioned too.
Cubs fever: pray for it!
Ever ready to tackle the hard-hitting issues of the day, the Chicago Tribune presents another scorching exposé: Is it OK to pray for the Cubs? [Trib. login: gapers/gapers]
SLEEPY BEAR PYJAMAS DROP GAME 1
Awww, looks like the Northside Boys in the Sleepy Bear Pyjamas dropped Game One of the NLCS to the Florida Marlins, 9-8 in 11 Innings. Game Two is scheduled for Wednesday, when ace Mark Prior will pitch against the The Fish.
Wait till...
Next Year is the increasingly less-aptly named portfolio of Christopher Schneberger, a photographer who documented the Cubs' 1998 season (the last time they made it to the play-offs).
Cubs Win! Cubs Win! Holy cow!
And if we're the first to tell you, you don't care anyway.
Cubs Steal Game One
The Cubs won their first post-season road game since the 1945 World Series tonight, 4-2, over the Braves. Kerry Wood served up a virtuoso pitching performance to lead the Cubs, giving up only three hits to the most potent offense in the National League. He also provided the go-ahead double in the sixth inning. Carlos Zambrano and Mark Prior pitch games 2 and 3, but the Braves have the most lethal late-game offense in the majors.
Stadium madness
I think it's an eyesore and looks like a landing pad for space aliens, but really, no one asked me. In any case, the Bears are playing their opener at the new Soldier field tonight. Here's a bit about the history of Soldier Field, and remember, the Bear's aren't the only franchise to play there. The Chicago Fire does too. You can check out their stadium page as well.
Manuel, Hit the Showers
It was inevitable: after the Sox choked before reaching the finish line, manager Jerry Manuel was fired today. Tony Larussa (who coached the Sox back in the '80s) is rumored to be a top candidate for the job, while there have been whispers that Dusty Baker may bring Manuel onto the Cubs management team for next season.
Hope-O-Meter
Coudal Partners has been tracking baseball fan sentiment for The Reader for the past few weeks; find this week's Hope-O-Meter on page 6 of Section 1 -- or look at previous charts here. As the Cubs hang on and the Sox falter, next week's chart should be interesting.
Chicago: MLB Kind of Town
A survey of 90 Major League players indicates Chicago is overwhelmingly the favorite spot to play road games. The restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and cleanliness impress, but it's the people who make it special. NYC comes in 2nd, trailing considerably behind us, though. "It's like New York, but clean and not as chaotic", says Oakland A's pitcher Tim Hudson. Take that, Big Apple!
Da 'Spos
As pennant fever surges, the Indianapolis Star makes an odd suggestion: MLP should move the Montreal Expos to Chicago -- they play at U.S. Cellular Field when the Sox are on the road. Meanwhile, Las Vegas bookies are worried about a Red Line World Series.
Shark Attack
Lake Michigan may be freshwater, but that doesn't mean there are no sharks here: the Chicago Sharks Australian Rules Football team wraps up their season this month with two games against the Milwaukee Bombers. This Saturday they're playing up in Milwaukee, and the season finale is 4:30pm on Sept. 20 at Waveland Field in Lincoln Park.
Cubs Win!
The Daily Gusto asks, "Will virgin Cubs fans get lucky this year?" (Only a virgin would ask such a question.)
Red Line Series?
With both the Cubs and the Sox currently in first place in their divisions, some are already whispering (on MSNBC, no less) about a cross-town World Series. In the meantime, there's a Chicago third team in first place that's not getting nearly as much attention: the Fire.
White Sox Ticket $ale
Psst! The White Sox are having a web special on tickets for the Tuesday, September 2 and Wednesday, September 3 games against the Boston Red Sox. Sale Bleacher tickets are only $10, and Upper Deck Box and Reserved tickets are $5! This special is available through August 31 and only at White Sox.com. Hmmm...pretty big of a Cubs fan to pass this little nugget of info along, I say.
A one, a two, a throooetby!
By now you have probably heard of Ozzy Osbourne's "heart warming" interpretation of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" he performed Sunday at Wrigley Field during the 7th Inning Stretch. But now, you can actually read the exact words he sang. Classic!
Wrigley Field Tours
Did you know that you can tour the friendly confines of Wrigley Field? The 90 minute tour includes the dugout, field, press box, security room. And proceeds of the tours benefit the many programs of Cubs Care. Call 773.404.2827 for more info. Tours run until September 7, 2003.
Windy City Wiffleball
Despite receiving shockingly little media coverage, Chicago's littlest league, the Windy City Wiffle Ball League soldiers on. Your next opportunities to see the powerhouses of the plastic bat will be at the Wifflehouse Invitational August 26 in Essexville, Michigan.
In Dusty We Trusty
Riders of the Red Line may have noticed this phrase on a porch near the Addison stop: In Dusty We Trusty! Now you can get the T-shirt.
Bush League Teams
You know, the Cubs and Sox aren't the only baseball teams 'round here. The minor league Kane County Cougars, Schaumburg Flyers, and Gary Southshore RailCats all put on an excellent game. The names are more interesting, too: the Cougars play the Lansing Lugnuts this weekend, while Schaumburg and Gary duke it out against the Sioux Falls Canaries and the Winnipeg Goldeyes, respectively.
Richard Dent Back with Bears
Richard Dent, star defensive end for the '85 Bears, has returned to the team -- as a defensive line coach. Nothing like bringing back a little former glory to inspire a team, right?
Elvis 5k
Elvis season, the entire month of August, is one of my favorite times of year. Shame then that I won't be able to participate in the Elvis Is Alive 5k at Diversey Harbor this Saturday. Race is late in the evening, they have a beer tent, and a prize for the race participant who has the best Elvis look. And a kids Elvis impersonator contest too! Wouldn't Junior look great in a jumpsuit?
Look, I Hit The Castle
You want a list of Chicagoland's mini-golf courses? (Say yes) You got it!
Sox Surge
Don't look now, but the Sox have come on strong since the All Star Game, climbing to within a game of division leaders Kansas City after sweeping the Royals yesterday.
Scottie Pippen Returns
Scottie Pippen returns to the Bulls line-up next year, and of course there's lots of speculation on what his presence will do for the lackluster former champions. Read about it in the